Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Guantanamo detainee move blocked

Inmate at Guatanamo BayThe US Senate has overwhelmingly rejected plans to transfer detainees out of Guantanamo Bay, and refused funding to close down the prison camp.

Senators voted by 90-6 to block the transfer of 240 inmates, also stalling a request for $80m (£51m).

Correspondents say it is a rebuke to President Barack Obama's plans to close down the camp by January 2010.

Meanwhile, FBI Director Robert Mueller told Congress detainees could support terror in the US if allowed to go free.

"The concerns we have about individuals who may support terrorism being in the United States run from concerns about providing financing to terrorists, [and] radicalising others," Mr Mueller told a hearing of the House Judiciary Committee.

Separately, a federal judge said the US can continue to hold some prisoners at Guantanamo indefinitely without any charges..

via BBC NEWS | World | Americas | Guantanamo detainee move blocked.

This makes me very angry because it is immoral and illogical.   1) Muller himself COULD support terror in the US.  Do we lock him up based on what he might do?  2) No judge, federal or otherwise, has the power to declare human rights null and void.

Holding people captive in cages indefinitely without charges is crime. In this case it is a war crime. If Gitmo inmates committed a crime, give them a fair civilian trial and if they are found guilty, put them in prison. If they are not guilty, free them. Watch them if you suspect they are a threat after they are free.

Are these terror suspects really dangerous to ordinary Americans? Or are they, rather, a serious threat to the people running the Gitmo freak show who might fear prosecution for torture and false imprisonment?

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