WASHINGTON, SEPT. 27, 2006 - "Hundreds of enemy combatants, or terrorists, have been captured by our forces and by our allies," said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala). "Among them are those who planned and helped execute the attacks of 9/11. Until now, we have not had an appropriate system to try these terrorists and punish them. This legislation establishes an efficient system for prosecuting terrorists, while providing them with legal protections and protecting our sensitive intelligence."
The House today approved H.R. 6166, the Military Commissions Act. The measure establishes a system of military tribunals to try alien enemy combatants who have engaged in or supported terrorist activities. The act ensures that terrorists have basic legal rights, including the right to counsel, the right to obtain evidence and witnesses, and the right to appeal a guilty verdict. Suspected terrorists have the right to be present at all legal proceedings, and no evidence may be presented to the jury unless it is also provided to the accused terrorist.
The substantive findings of classified evidence will be admissible in an unclassified form, but the classified evidence itself is protected and is privileged from disclosure to accused terrorists-as well as the panel of jurists-if the disclosure of the information would be detrimental to national security. The act also protects our military and intelligence personnel by codifying violations of Common Article 3 of the Geneva Convention. Currently, the article's vague provisions are open to a variety of interpretations, potentially rendering American personnel liable to prosecution without just cause.
For Further Information Please Contact Paul Flusche at 202-225-5744 or Email.
