U.S. to Seek Death Penalty for Gitmo Prisoners

Reba · 02-11-2008, 11:07 AM

Quote:

WASHINGTON — The Defense Department is planning to charge six detainees at Guantanamo Bay with the Sept. 11 terror attacks on the United States and seek the death penalty.

Defense Department spokesman Bryan Whitman said an announcement of the charges could come Monday.

Military prosecutors also will ask for the death penalty for the attacks that killed nearly 3,000 Americans, according to a second official who spoke on condition of anonymity because the charges had not been announced.

Among those held at Guantanamo is Khalid Sheik Mohammed, the suspected mastermind of the attack six years ago in which hijacked planes were flown into buildings in New York and Washington. Five others are expected to be named in sworn charges.

"The department has been working diligently to prepare cases and bring charges against a number of individuals who have been involved in some of the most grievous acts of violence and terror against the United States and our allies," Whitman said.

Prosecutors have been working for years to assemble the case against suspects in the attacks that prompted the Bush administration to redouble its efforts to combat terrorism.

"The prosecution team is close to moving forward on referring charges on a number of individuals," Whitman said, declining to name the defendants.

The New York Times reported in Monday's editions that the others are Mohammed al-Qahtani, the man officials have labeled the 20th hijacker; Ramzi bin al-Shibh, said to have been the main intermediary between the hijackers and leaders of Al Qaeda; Ali Abd al-Aziz Ali, known as Ammar al-Baluchi, a nephew of Khalid Sheik Mohammed, who has been identified as Mohammed's lieutenant for the 2001 operation; al-Baluchi's assistant, Mustafa Ahmed al-Hawsawi; and Walid bin Attash, a detainee known as Khallad, who investigators say selected and trained some of the hijackers.

The men would be tried in the military tribunal system that was set up by the administration shortly after the start of the counterterror war and has been widely criticized for it rules on legal representation for suspects, hearings behind closed doors and past allegations of inmate abuse at Guantanamo. Original rules allowed the military to exclude the defendant from his own trial, permitted statements made under torture, and forbade appeal to an independent court; but the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the system in 2006 and a revised plan has included some additional rights.

Defense lawyers still criticize the system for it's secrecy.

The decision to seek the death penalty also is likely to draw criticism from within the international community. A number of countries, including U.S. allies, have said they would object to the use of capital punishment for their nationals held at Guantanamo.

Officials plan to hold the trial in a specially constructed court at Guantanamo that will allow lawyers, journalists and some others to be present, but leave relatives of Sept. 11 victims and others to watch the trial through closed-circuit broadcasts.

Khalid Sheik Mohammed was among 15 so-called "high-value detainees" who were held at length by the CIA in secret overseas prisons — some subject to what critics call torture — before being handed over to the military in 2006.

In Guantanamo Bay hearings that have been criticized as unfair, he confessed to the 9/11 attack and a chilling string of other terror plots last March.

"I was responsible for the 9/11 operation from A to Z," Mohammed said in a statement read during the session, according to hearing transcripts later released by the Pentagon.

FOXNews.com - U.S. to Seek Death Penalty for Guantanamo Prisoners With Sept. 11 Ties - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News

Reba · 02-11-2008, 12:45 PM

update:

Quote:

WASHINGTON — The Pentagon has charged six detainees at Guantanamo Bay with murder and war crimes in connection with the Sept. 11 terror attacks, and officials said Monday the United States will seek the death penalty.

Brig. Gen. Thomas W. Hartmann said the charges lay out a long-term sophisticated plan by the Al Qaeda terrorist network to attack the United States of America. The attack over six years ago killed nearly 3,000 people.

Hartmann, the legal adviser to the U.S. military tribunal system, said the six include Khalid Sheik Mohammed, the suspected mastermind of the attacks, in which hijacked planes were flown into buildings in New York and Washington. Another hijacked plane crashed in the fields of western Pennsylvania.

The military will recommend that the six men be tried together before a military tribunal. But the cases may be clouded because of recent revelations that Mohammmed was subject to a harsh interrogation technique known as waterboarding — which critics call torture.

Asked what impact that will have on the case, Hartmann said it will be up to the military judge to determine what evidence is allowed.

Prosecutors have been working for years to assemble the case against suspects in the attacks that prompted the Bush administration to launch its global war on terror.

The other five men being charged are: Mohammed al-Qahtani, the man officials have labeled the 20th hijacker; Ramzi Binalshibh, said to have been the main intermediary between the hijackers and leaders of Al Qaeda; Ali Abd al-Aziz Ali, known as Ammar al-Baluchi, a nephew of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, who has been identified as Mohammed's lieutenant for the 2001 operation; al-Baluchi's assistant, Mustafa Ahmad al-Hawsawi; and Waleed bin Attash, a detainee known as Khallad, who investigators say selected and trained some of the hijackers.

FOXNews.com - U.S. Charges 6 Guantanamo Prisoners With Sept. 11 Ties, Seeks Death Penalty - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News

Aleser · 02-12-2008, 03:12 PM

Arg. First, don't -get- me started on this country and it's complete disregard for things like basic human rights. I'm going to leave that rant for another time.

In the case of these men and the death penaltly... what benefit do they think will come of that? You can't -prevent- crime by taking a population of crazed-out people who aren't afraid of death and threatening them with being killed. Moreover, this could disgustingly turn these complete pigs into someone to -look up- to for others who believe that what they're doing is correct.

omegaman · 02-14-2008, 06:19 AM

I agree with the above poster.

Liebling:-))) · 02-14-2008, 06:38 AM

I bet Gitmo Prisoners will be happy because they prefer to end their life than spend long years in prison to share with violence there.

Byrdie714 · 02-14-2008, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aleser

Arg. First, don't -get- me started on this country and it's complete disregard for things like basic human rights. I'm going to leave that rant for another time.

In the case of these men and the death penaltly... what benefit do they think will come of that? You can't -prevent- crime by taking a population of crazed-out people who aren't afraid of death and threatening them with being killed. Moreover, this could disgustingly turn these complete pigs into someone to -look up- to for others who believe that what they're doing is correct.

Why should we continue to house them?

Reba · 02-14-2008, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Liebling:-)))

I bet Gitmo Prisoners will be happy because they prefer to end their life than spend long years in prison to share with violence there.

What violence?

Liebling:-))) · 02-14-2008, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reba

What violence?

The prisoners will hurt them very badly. That's why they prefer death penalty over share with prisoners rest of their lives.

Reba · 02-14-2008, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aleser

Arg. First, don't -get- me started on this country and it's complete disregard for things like basic human rights. I'm going to leave that rant for another time.

In the case of these men and the death penaltly... what benefit do they think will come of that? You can't -prevent- crime by taking a population of crazed-out people who aren't afraid of death and threatening them with being killed. Moreover, this could disgustingly turn these complete pigs into someone to -look up- to for others who believe that what they're doing is correct.

So what should be done with those who were behind the terrorist attacks? What is justice for them?

Foxrac · 02-14-2008, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Liebling:-)))

I bet Gitmo Prisoners will be happy because they prefer to end their life than spend long years in prison to share with violence there.

Yup, I agree.

I don't support death penalty, just build an tough prison, such as bed with no mattress and metal toliet/sink, no everything, such as no tv, book or computer in cell. That's make prisoners so unhappy and extremely boring, just isolation for entire of their life.

Aleser · 02-14-2008, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reba

So what should be done with those who were behind the terrorist attacks? What is justice for them?

There is no justice for the crimes they've commited- not while they're on this earth, anyways. The best we can hope to do is isolate such individuals as to protect the rest of the world.

Maybe, just maybe, we could instead work to change the conditions that bring around radicals, and thus prevent people like this from being created in the first place. Maybe we could work on countering the stigma that is faced- the stigma that turns an ordinary good muslim into a radical who feels like faith is the only thing left for them, the only place they'll ever belong.

Aleser · 02-14-2008, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Byrdie714

Why should we continue to house them?

Because taking a life is taking a life, even that of a killers. You stoop down to their level.

Reba · 02-14-2008, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aleser

There is no justice for the crimes they've commited- not while they're on this earth, anyways. The best we can hope to do is isolate such individuals as to protect the rest of the world.

Where would you isolate them?

Quote:

Maybe, just maybe, we could instead work to change the conditions that bring around radicals, and thus prevent people like this from being created in the first place. Maybe we could work on countering the stigma that is faced- the stigma that turns an ordinary good muslim into a radical who feels like faith is the only thing left for them, the only place they'll ever belong.

Justice and changing conditions aren't necessarily mutually exclusive goals.

Aleser · 02-14-2008, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reba

Where would you isolate them?

Uh, as they're currently housed in a facility that violates international law and any basic concept of human rights.. I'd say they're isolated.

Byrdie714 · 02-14-2008, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aleser

Because taking a life is taking a life, even that of a killers. You stoop down to their level.

They took the lives of 3000 people and you still want to house them???

Aleser · 02-14-2008, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Byrdie714

They took the lives of 3000 people and you still want to house them???

No, I don't want to -kill- them, which is far different than wanting to give them fluffy pillows at night.

You can't use violence to solve violence. It is a violation of both my faith and, by requirement, my views on morality.

Byrdie714 · 02-14-2008, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aleser

No, I don't want to -kill- them, which is far different than wanting to give them fluffy pillows at night.

You can't use violence to solve violence. It is a violation of both my faith and, by requirement, my views on morality.

What if the shoe was on the other foot and it was one of your relatives that was killed by these guys?

Aleser · 02-14-2008, 02:28 PM

It's my relatives terrified of US troops in Iraq. You don't see me wanting to hang everyone in the army, do you?

Reba · 02-14-2008, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aleser

Uh, as they're currently housed in a facility that violates international law and any basic concept of human rights.. I'd say they're isolated.

I'll rephrase.

Where do you want them kept isolated?

Reba · 02-14-2008, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aleser

Because taking a life is taking a life, even that of a killers. You stoop down to their level.

So what do you want to do with killers?

Reba · 02-14-2008, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aleser

No, I don't want to -kill- them, which is far different than wanting to give them fluffy pillows at night.

You can't use violence to solve violence. It is a violation of both my faith and, by requirement, my views on morality.

So what do you want to do with them?

Aleser · 02-14-2008, 03:11 PM

Must you ask the same question three times? By saying that they shouldn't be killed, isn't the implication that they should stay in whatever jail they're in?

Reba · 02-14-2008, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aleser

Must you ask the same question three times? By saying that they shouldn't be killed, isn't the implication that they should stay in whatever jail they're in?

I keep asking until I get an answer.

You said, "...they're currently housed in a facility that violates international law and any basic concept of human rights."

Does that mean you would be satisfied with them staying in such a facility for the rest of their natural lives?

Aleser · 02-14-2008, 06:56 PM

I'd wish that to change, of course, but it's better than -killing- them.

Byrdie714 · 02-14-2008, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aleser

It's my relatives terrified of US troops in Iraq. You don't see me wanting to hang everyone in the army, do you?

Hope that your relatives are helping the Iraqi government achieve their goals.

The sooner that is done, the sooner my relatives come home from Iraq.

Texan Guy · 02-14-2008, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pacman

Yup, I agree.

I don't support death penalty, just build an tough prison, such as bed with no mattress and metal toliet/sink, no everything, such as no tv, book or computer in cell. That's make prisoners so unhappy and extremely boring, just isolation for entire of their life.

Well, the death penalty is cheaper than to keep a prisoner alive, so, I support the death penalty rather to keep the prisoners stay in the Maximum Prison to their death.

Foxrac · 02-14-2008, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Texan Guy

Well, the death penalty is cheaper than to keep a prisoner alive, so, I support the death penalty rather to keep the prisoners stay in the Maximum Prison to their death.

Disagree with you.

I had learned from history class, death penalty is more expe

02-12-2008, 03:12 PM	#3 (permalink)
Aleser Woosh. Yes, Woosh. Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 544	Arg. First, don't -get- me started on this country and it's complete disregard for things like basic human rights. I'm going to leave that rant for another time. In the case of these men and the death penaltly... what benefit do they think will come of that? You can't -prevent- crime by taking a population of crazed-out people who aren't afraid of death and threatening them with being killed. Moreover, this could disgustingly turn these complete pigs into someone to -look up- to for others who believe that what they're doing is correct. __________________ "She thinks... she can make people do what she wants or needs, what is right, by the sheer force of her own talent, not by forcing them... she can teach them and persuade them... that they'll catch it from her. This is still faith in their rationality, in the omnipotence of reason. The mistake? Reason is not automatic. Those who deny it cannot be conquered by it. Do not count on them."

02-14-2008, 06:19 AM	#4 (permalink)
omegaman ambient Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Remember what the doorknob said... Posts: 852	I agree with the above poster. __________________

02-14-2008, 06:38 AM	#5 (permalink)
Liebling:-))) My 3 darling princesses Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Germany Posts: 26,842	I bet Gitmo Prisoners will be happy because they prefer to end their life than spend long years in prison to share with violence there. __________________

02-14-2008, 02:28 PM	#18 (permalink)
Aleser Woosh. Yes, Woosh. Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 544	It's my relatives terrified of US troops in Iraq. You don't see me wanting to hang everyone in the army, do you? __________________ "She thinks... she can make people do what she wants or needs, what is right, by the sheer force of her own talent, not by forcing them... she can teach them and persuade them... that they'll catch it from her. This is still faith in their rationality, in the omnipotence of reason. The mistake? Reason is not automatic. Those who deny it cannot be conquered by it. Do not count on them."

02-14-2008, 03:11 PM	#22 (permalink)
Aleser Woosh. Yes, Woosh. Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 544	Must you ask the same question three times? By saying that they shouldn't be killed, isn't the implication that they should stay in whatever jail they're in? __________________ "She thinks... she can make people do what she wants or needs, what is right, by the sheer force of her own talent, not by forcing them... she can teach them and persuade them... that they'll catch it from her. This is still faith in their rationality, in the omnipotence of reason. The mistake? Reason is not automatic. Those who deny it cannot be conquered by it. Do not count on them."

Today
Deafness	Sponsored Links __________________ This advertising will not be shown in this way to registered members. Register your free account today and become a member on AllDeaf.com

02-14-2008, 06:56 PM	#24 (permalink)
Aleser Woosh. Yes, Woosh. Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 544	I'd wish that to change, of course, but it's better than -killing- them. __________________ "She thinks... she can make people do what she wants or needs, what is right, by the sheer force of her own talent, not by forcing them... she can teach them and persuade them... that they'll catch it from her. This is still faith in their rationality, in the omnipotence of reason. The mistake? Reason is not automatic. Those who deny it cannot be conquered by it. Do not count on them."