Reply #1: Khadr case goes to new U.S. review commission [View All]

[struggle4progress]

Aug 25, 2007 04:30 AM
Michelle Shephard
Staff Reporter

WASHINGTON– ...

Government lawyers argued yesterday before a newly created military appeals commission that charges against Khadr should not have been dismissed and implored the panel not to delay the case further.

While yesterday's hearing in a packed courtroom near the White House set a precedent as the first case to go before the Court of Military Commission Review, in practical terms it means Khadr is still likely months from seeing any resolution of it ...

At issue was essentially the absence of one word – "unlawful." The military commissions as signed into law by U.S. President George W. Bush last October were mandated to hear cases against "unlawful enemy combatants." ...

"The difference between an unlawful enemy combatant and a lawful enemy combatant is the distinction between being guilty and not guilty. It's not just a word, it's a point of criminality," Canadian lawyer Nathan Whitling said outside of court yesterday ...

http://www.thestar.com/News/article/249724