Pentagon Releases Rules for Trials of Terrorism Suspects
The Defense Department yesterday released its detailed rules for military trials of terrorism suspects, a move that reignited last year’s controversy over a joint decision by the Bush administration and the Republican-led Congress to restrict key detainee rights during such trials. The 238-page manual, issued after a three-month drafting effort, closely tracks the Military Commissions Act, approved mostly by Republicans in September. It incorporates controversial rules blocking a detainee’s right to challenge his or her detention and allowing prosecutors to use hearsay information or coerced evidence if a military judge rules that it is reliable and relevant. Full Story