News and Press Releases :: November 1, 2010

McKeon Statement on Sentencing of Guantanamo Terrorist Detainee

Senior Armed Services Republican Calls on President to Prosecute Terrorists in Military Commissions System

Washington, D.C.—U.S. Rep. Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R-Calif.) today highlighted the sentencing of Guantanamo detainee Omar Khadr as a validation for the Department of Defense’s military commissions judicial system.  McKeon, the Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, also called on the President to shift the Administration’s focus to prosecuting Guantanamo detainees in military commissions instead of U.S. civilian courts.

“Military commissions were created by Congress in order to prosecute terrorists captured on today’s battlefields while upholding our nation’s highest ideals.  The sentencing of Omar Khadr for murder and violations of the law of war show that military commissions are the appropriate venue to try these cases,” stated McKeon.   

“The President should correct his mistaken decision, made within days of being sworn into office, that terrorists detained at Guantanamo Bay would be prosecuted in U.S. civilian courts.  He should immediately direct his Administration to focus their efforts on prosecuting Guantanamo detainees in military commissions,” concluded McKeon.

The Department of Defense announced yesterday that a military commission sentenced Omar Khadr after he pleaded guilty to murder in violation of the law of war, attempted murder in violation of the law of war, conspiracy, providing material support for terrorism, and spying.  For more information about the sentencing decision and the military commission system, please visit: http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=14023.

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