Gitmo Report: Inside the Hamdan Trial

[unhappycamper]

Gitmo Report: Inside the Hamdan Trial
May 09, 2008
Military.com|by Andrew Lubin

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba --- It was three days bobbing and weaving for the defense and prosecution of a key bin Laden lieutenant here last week, with both sides submitting surprising testimony in the opening salvos of a key test for the newly established Military Commissions process.

And despite the fireworks, what the few observers allowed into the proceedings will remember most is the chief judge, Navy Capt. Keith Allred, explaining to defendant Salim Ahmed Hamdan just why he should not boycott the court proceedings.

"You beat George Bush, Mr. Hamdan," Allred calmly explained. "You won at the Supreme Court, yet you're still confined. I understand your frustrations; you have made a very eloquent statement and I am committed to getting you a fair trial."

Hamdan is one of about 280 detainees currently imprisoned here. A Yemeni citizen, Hamdan was captured in Afghanistan by the pro-American Northern Alliance in November 2001, turned over the American forces and sent to Gitmo in June 2002. He was finally charged more than two years later with "conspiracy to commit terrorism."

The charges claim that Hamdan was bin Laden's driver, helped arrange convoy security, was responsible for Bin Laden's personal security, and that he was transporting two shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles in the back of his pick-up truck when he was captured.


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