Another example of the end of due process as we know it. Bail was denied in a secret hearing for Mike Hawash who is being held as a material witness in Oregon.

Hawash, a software engineer and American citizen, has been held since March 20. Our prior coverage is here and here.

The records of the searches of his home and office are sealed. His name has been removed from the list of prisoners at FCI Sheridan, where he has been held. His lawyers are gagged.

Josh Kardon, chief of staff to U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., has been attempting to obtain information about Hawash. Here's what he has been told: Hawash is not at Guantanamo, he has a lawyer who was allowed to appear at his bail hearing, his wife and kids have visited him. The Government will not confirm that Hawash is being held as a material witness.

Sources say Hawash's arrest is related to the pending case against the "Oregon Six." Prosecutors have said they will seek a superseding Indictment in the case--adding new charges and possibly new defendants. In responding to Senator Wyden's inquiry, the U.S. Attorney wrote:

There are several contingencies which may accelerate the rate at which additional information will be publicly available. My best estimate is that we will be able to comment further by early May, but please understand that is an estimate."

It sounds to us like Hawash is being told that if he tells the Government the truth--the truth according to the Government, of course--he may be allowed to avoid being charged in the new Oregon Indictment. If he doesn't, he will find himself as a defendant instead of a witness. Some choice. Particularly if, as was the case with Susan McDougal, his version of the truth is different than the one the Government wants to hear.