Tag: guantanamo

Obama Considers Revamping Military Trials

Reports circulating in Washington suggest that President Barack Obama may try to revive the military commission system for prosecuting Guantánamo detainees, which Obama himself criticized during the administration of his predecessor, former president George W. Bush. While some detainees would be tried in federal courts, administration lawyers are reportedly concerned that some terrorism suspects could … Continue reading “Obama Considers Revamping Military Trials”

A Start on Guantánamo, but Not Enough

Speaking at a press conference to mark his first 100 days in office, Barack Obama made two bold claims about the policies he has already implemented to tackle the executive overreach of the Bush administration, with regard to detention and interrogation policies in the "War on Terror." "We have rejected the false choice between our … Continue reading “A Start on Guantánamo, but Not Enough”

Calls for Torture Inquiry Aren’t Going Away

A coalition of 19 human rights, faith-based and justice organizations is calling on President Barack Obama to investigate torture they charge was sanctioned by the administration of former President George W. Bush. The group, led by the National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT), is proposing both a special prosecutor and an "independent, non-partisan commission to … Continue reading “Calls for Torture Inquiry Aren’t Going Away”

Court Reins in ‘State Secrets’ Privilege

In what may become a landmark decision, a federal appeals court ruled Monday that the "state secrets privilege" – routinely used by the government to block lawsuits against its officials – can only be used to contest specific evidence, but not to dismiss an entire suit. The ruling, which was hailed by human rights advocates, … Continue reading “Court Reins in ‘State Secrets’ Privilege”

Dozens of CIA ‘Ghost Prisoners’ Missing

At least three dozen detainees who were held in the CIA’s secret prisons overseas appear to be missing – and efforts by human rights organizations to track their whereabouts have been unsuccessful. The story of these "ghost prisoners" was comprehensively documented last week by Pro Publica, an online investigative journalism group. In September 2007, Michael … Continue reading “Dozens of CIA ‘Ghost Prisoners’ Missing”

Courts Overrule Govt in Abuse and Detention Cases

As the debate heats up over what to do about recent disclosures of widespread abuse of war-on-terror prisoners, the “third branch” of the U.S. government — the judiciary — continues to assert its independence from the other two branches — the executive and the legislative. In one recent decision, a federal court has refused the … Continue reading “Courts Overrule Govt in Abuse and Detention Cases”