Iraqis tired of U.S.-run show at criminal court

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.swissinfo.org/sen/swissinfo.html?siteSect=143&sid=6569219&cKey=1143045688000

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Baghdad's new courthouse is held up by U.S. officials as a symbol of the independent legal system three years of U.S. occupation has brought, but defence lawyers are angry at what they say is summary American justice. snip

Armed American soldiers are a visible presence throughout the low rise building, once Saddam Hussein's treasure store for official gifts he received. They are also on guard inside the courtrooms, where trials on "terrorism" charges are held.

U.S. military lawyers insisted the court is an Iraqi operation and their only role is to help gather evidence and observe sessions: "The Iraqi judges are the ones making the decisions," said Lieutenant Colonel John Carroll, who is a judge back home in the United States. "This is an Iraqi process." snip

Though Iraqi guards are stationed at the courthouse, the bulk of security duties appeared to fall to American troops.

A U.S. officer overseeing the troops declined to say what role he played: "All I can say is have a nice day," he said.

[LynnTheDem]

1. Ya can't have "independent" when yer OCCUPIED.

Common sense. And FACT.

That explains why the rightwingnuts are unable to get it.