Military Tribunals Begin Tuesday
The first military tribunals are set to begin Tuesday for four Guantanamo detainees. Trials are still several months off, as Tuesday begins the pre-trial hearing phase. Since there has been a big problem with translators, the lawyers will need a lot more time with their clients before trials can begin.
Some of the defense lawyers have complained that problems with their translators, who have not been paid in a timely manner, hampered them in mounting their cases. Mr. Altenburg told reporters that the complaints had merit and he was moving quickly to address them. Commander Sundel said he expected to do little at the coming hearings beyond ask for more time to meet with his client. "We desperately need to speak with him," he said. "The hearing is Thursday and we were only given a new interpreter last week." The first translator was judged inadequate and dismissed in April.
Don't expect too much. It's hardly a real trial.
The rules, which in essence constitute a new body of law distinct from military and civilian law, allow, for example, witnesses to testify anonymously for the prosecution. Also, any information may be admitted into evidence if the presiding officer judges it to be "probative to a reasonable person," a new standard far more favorable to the prosecution than anything in civilian law.
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