Reviews of Guantánamo Detainees to Begin Soon, Navy Says

[Judi Lynn]

Reviews of Guantánamo Detainees to Begin Soon, Navy Says
By MARIA NEWMAN

Published: June 23, 2004


he secretary of the Navy said today that annual reviews of detainees at the Guantánamo Bay military prison in Cuba would begin within a matter of weeks, a process to determine whether they should be released or continue to be held as a "threat to America."

The secretary, Gordon R. England, said in a Pentagon news briefing that review boards consisting of three military officers would consider information about each detainee — including hearsay, rumors and intelligence reports — and then make recommendations to him about the fate of each of the 595 detainees at Guantánamo. Many are suspected of terror activities, and some have been held almost two years.

"I expect that out of all the cases, there's some we can act on quickly, hopefully in a matter of a couple of weeks," Mr. England said.

The new review boards will not assign guilt or innocence, the secretary said, but will only determine whether a prisoner should be released or held for further inquiry. Prisoners will be represented by military officials, but not lawyers, and the process will be closed to the public.
(snip/...)

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/06/23/politics/23CND-NAVY.html
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[teryang]

1. So they finally decided to comply with the law

How many years did it take?

[Miss Authoritiva]

2. More hilarity from the Bush government.

"Prisoners will be represented by military officials, but not lawyers, and the process will be closed to the public."

"Nonetheless, (England) asserted, 'our approach is to make this process very fair, clear, precise and transparent.'"

Very fair, even though the detainees have no legal representation.

Very clear, even though there is absolutely no established precedent.

Very precise, even though hearsay and rumor are allowed.

Very transparent, even though the reviews are closed to the public and no transcripts will be available.