Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Twelve Hours in Office

"Barack Obama, the US president, has requested a 120-day suspension of the military tribunals being held at the US' controversial Guantanamo Bay detention centre.

Judges at Guantanamo are expected to rule on the president's request later on Wednesday, trial sources told the Reuters news agency."

This is wonderful news for Canadian Omar Kadr, who was captured, held and tortured beginning at fifteen years old. Edney, his attorney, came to speak to us regarding his case last autumn. It was sobering to hear the "progress" of Kadr's case over the years, specifically the lack of judicial procedure and habeas corpus (right of accused to know charges against them). His trial was supposed to begin in October of last year but a new judge delayed the proceedings until January. Trial finally got underway two days ago. With Obama's order for delay, Kadr's lawyers may finally be able to review the particulars of his case while the President's administration works on providing Kadr a fair and legal trial.

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