Judge rejects Obama bid to stall Gitmo trial

[unhappycamper]

Judge rejects Obama bid to stall Gitmo trial
By Mike Melia and Andrew O. Selsky - The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Jan 30, 2009 6:30:15 EST

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — A military judge at Guantanamo on Jan. 29 rejected a White House request to suspend a hearing for the alleged mastermind of the Cole bombing, creating an unexpected challenge for the administration as it reviews how America puts suspected terrorists on trial.

The judge, Army Col. James Pohl, said his decision was difficult but necessary to protect “the public interest in a speedy trial.” The ruling came in the case against Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri. The bombing of the Navy destroyer in 2000 in the harbor of Aden, Yemen, killed 17 U.S. sailors.

It seemed to take the Pentagon and White House by surprise.

“We just learned of the ruling ... and we are consulting with the Pentagon and the Department of Justice to explore our options in the case,” said White Press secretary Robert Gibbs, adding that he doubted the decision would hamper the administration’s ability to decide how to move forward from Guantanamo.

The Department of Defense is reviewing Judge Pohl’s ruling, said Navy Cmdr. Jeffrey Gordon, a Pentagon spokesman.


Rest of article at: http://armytimes.com/news/2009/01/ap_gitmo_judge_012909/%2e



uhc comment: If *Co were still in charge, Mr. Pohl would already be retired.