9/11 families protest fairness of Gitmo trials

[sabra]

Source: AP

NEW YORK (AP) — Two dozen family members of Sept. 11 victims signed a letter Wednesday saying they don't believe in the fairness of the military trials of five men charged with orchestrating the terrorist attacks, and some suggested their opinions cost them attendance at the proceedings.

While the family members who attended this week's proceedings at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba expressed support for the tribunals, they also said "that many of us do not believe these military commissions to be fair, in accordance with American values, or capable of achieving the justice that 9/11 family members and all Americans deserve," according to the letter released by the American Civil Liberties Union.

Robin Theurkauf, whose husband was killed at the World Trade Center, said she wanted to attend the proceedings but was denied a spot in a lottery for family members.
"I testified for the defense in the (Zacarias) Moussaoui trial," Theurkauf said, referring to the convicted Sept. 11 conspirator. "I think I was skipped over because of that."

Lorie Van Auken, whose husband Kenneth was killed at the trade center, also wanted to attend the hearings. She has been a prominent critic of the Guantanamo proceedings, accusing the government of using torture to coerce confessions.

"It could be that they didn't want the critical voices to be heard," Van Auken said.

Read more: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ix6RR5Xgt_zkVxMZ1h7aCD1p_gAQD9508G600

[zonmoy]

1. Since when are trials in kangaroo courts ever fair.

[Peace Patriot]

2. These are brave and wonderful people--the family members of 9/11 victims!

I admire them enormously for speaking out against Bushkaroo courts and the 9/11 commission B.S.

[superconnected]

3. The title is aweful. It should say they protest the unfairness.

[Usrename]

5. Good catch. I hate it when they do this kind of thing.

Something went "clank" when I read the OP, and that was it. I couldn't quite figure out what was wrong.

[Kaleko]

4. These court proceedings have no credibility.

Does anyone know the latest statistics on how many Americans believe that the 9/11 commission was a travesty?

I seem to recall something like 37% have doubts in the legitimacy of the investigation.

[Usrename]

6. These are some really standup people to do this.

Good for them.

[pjt7]

7. I'd like this group of families to bring this up

w/ the president elect, & are allowed to be included.