After a two-year hiatus, President Barack Obama on Monday gave the go ahead for military trials to resume in the notorious Guantanamo Bay prison, in Cuba.
There is considerable controversy surrounding the trials of terror suspects held in the prison with Congress having so far blocked Obama’s efforts to try detainees in U.S. civilian federal courts.
In a press statement on Monday, Obama said, “I strongly believe that the American system of justice is a key part of our arsenal in the war against al-Qaeda and its affiliates, and we will continue to draw on all aspects of our justice system.”
His administration says it still plans to attempt to try alleged terrorists in civilian courts and make good on Obama’s promise, made two years ago, to close the prison entirely.
On Monday, the president also promised to focus more attention on prisoners’ rights, according to reports.
There is considerable controversy surrounding the trials of terror suspects held in the prison with Congress having so far blocked Obama’s efforts to try detainees in U.S. civilian federal courts.
In a press statement on Monday, Obama said, “I strongly believe that the American system of justice is a key part of our arsenal in the war against al-Qaeda and its affiliates, and we will continue to draw on all aspects of our justice system.”
His administration says it still plans to attempt to try alleged terrorists in civilian courts and make good on Obama’s promise, made two years ago, to close the prison entirely.
On Monday, the president also promised to focus more attention on prisoners’ rights, according to reports.