Forum Views ()
Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Bagram inmates win right to challenge detention
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
Yahoo! Search
Search:
Sign InNew User? Sign Up
News Home -
Help
Navigation
Primary Navigation
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Secondary Navigation
Australia
China
India
Indonesia
Japan
Malaysia
Philippines
Thailand
Vietnam
Search
Search:
Bagram inmates win right to challenge detention
AFP - Tuesday, September 15
WASHINGTON (AFP) - - For the first time, the United States is granting some 600 prisoners held at a US detention center dubbed Afghanistan's Guantanamo the right to challenge their detention, officials said.
ADVERTISEMENT
Some of the men, many of whom have languished for years at the Bagram Air Base north of Kabul, will now be aided by a US military official to gather witnesses and evidence in their cases, the Defense Department said.
They will then be allowed to defend themselves, and even call witnesses before a military body entrusted with reviewing the cases against them.
"It's basically a review procedure that ensures people go in front of a panel periodically to give them the opportunity to contest their detention," Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman told reporters.
The inmates would be aided by a uniformed "personal representative" who would "guide them through this administrative process, to help gather witness statements," Whitman added.
"It's something that we had used in Iraq to help us manage the detainee population and ultimately reduce the detainee population by ensuring that we are only holding those that are the most dangerous threats."
The Bagram prison has served since 2002 as a holding site for terror suspects captured outside Afghanistan and Iraq.
But unlike the prisoners at Guantanamo Bay -- the US naval base in Cuba where some 229 "war on terror" detainees are still held -- the Bagram inmates have had no access to lawyers, no right to hear the allegations against them and only rudimentary reviews of their status as "enemy combatants."
President Barack Obama's administration argued in a filing with the US Court of Appeals in Washington late Monday that terror suspects at Bagram should not be allowed to challenge their decision in US courts, a right the Supreme Court has granted to Guantanamo detainees.
US District Judge John Bates ruled in April that foreign prisoners held at Bagram should also be provided that right, enshrined in the ancient writ of habeas corpus.
The administration argued in its 85-page brief that Bates's ruling "reverses long-standing law, imposes great practical problems, conflicts with the considered judgment of both political branches, and risks opening the federal courts to habeas claims brought by detainees held in other theaters of war during future military actions."
Obama has mandated a comprehensive review of US detainee policy as part of his order to close the controversial Guantanamo prison camp by January.
But in July, hundreds of prisoners led protests at Bagram fearing that they would be held indefinitely.
They refused to take part in video-telephone conversations, or accept visits by their relatives set out under an International Red Cross program.
Rights groups cautiously welcomed the decision to grant the inmates the right to contest their detentions.
"We're pleased that an additional review has now been set up because detainees of Bagram are detained for a long time without charges and any kind of review process," Human Rights Watch counterterrorism advisor Stacy Sullivan told AFP.
But she expressed skepticism that the review process would be efficient because a similar process was established at Guantanamo, where Sullivan said "it was basically used as a means to keep men in indefinite detention." She also urged the United States to provide lawyers to the detainees.
Amnesty International spokesman Geneve Mantri said Bagram has long posed a headache for Washington "because they really aren't sure exactly who they have there."
Last month, the civil liberties group ACLU protested the Pentagon and the CIA's refusal to supply the names, nationalities, place of arrests and details of those held in Bagram.
"None of the human rights group have ever had any access, even Afghan human rights groups were not allowed access," said Mantri.
Last month, a top US general called for as many as 400 of the 600 inmates to be released, saying they posed no threat to the United States.
There was little evidence against hundreds of detainees to justify their continued imprisonment, according to findings by Major General Douglas Stone, National Public Radio (NPR) reported, citing unnamed military officials.
In his report to the US Central Command, which oversees the region, Stone recommended that the US military abandon its detention program in Afghanistan within 12 to 18 months, NPR said.
Email Story
IM Story
Printable View
Blog This
Sign in to recommend this article »
0 users recommend
Related Articles: Asia Pacific
Chinese ban transport of explosives in UrumqiAP - 2 hours 34 minutes ago
Thailand invokes security law ahead of protestAP - Wednesday, September 16
China says data show U.S. tyre tariff not fairReuters - Wednesday, September 16
Japan's incoming govt lines up key cabinet ministersAFP - Wednesday, September 16
Frenchman jailed in Cambodia for sex with teenAP - Wednesday, September 16
Most Popular – Asia Pacific
Viewed
Mafia sank boat with radioactive waste: official
Depression harms cancer survival rates: study
Remains of Jesus-era synagogue found in Israel
Nestle warns of possible exit from Switzerland
Obama lashes out at Wall Street
View Complete List »
Search:
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy
- Terms of Service
- Community
- Intellectual Property Rights Policy
- Help
Other News on Tuesday, 15 September 2009 Bagram inmates can challenge detention: Pentagon
Europe to emerge from recession in 3rd qtr, says EU
US-TECH Summary
Intel restructures, senior exec leaves for EMC
Netanyahu: no complete West Bank building freeze
sells stake in Alibaba.com for 150 mln dlrs
Venezuela inks $2.2 bln weapons deal with Russia
Intuit buying Mint.com for 170 mln dlrs
Kissing quest makes Taiwan woman a web sensation
Norway left wins rare re-election: exit polls
| International
|
Iraqi court orders the release of Bush shoe thrower
Public trust in US media eroding: Pew study
U.S. behind attack on militant in Somalia: U.S. sources
| International
|
Web TV firm Joost ousts Chairman Mike Volpi
Student leader in dock as Iran resumes protesters' trial
Top U.N official to visit Sri Lanka, discuss refugees
| International
|
Dalai Lama briefed about US approach to Tibet
Obama touts Wall St. changes on Lehman anniversary
U.S. NATO envoy says Europeans firm on Afghanistan
Dalai Lama hopes to meet Obama in Nov: statement
Harkin: `Silent majority' back health care reform
Myanmar politicians' kin set to join new party
Obama urges financial industry to rebuild trust
Taiwan coast guard alerted after Japan nabs skipper
US joins UN rights council as member for 1st time
Outgoing Japan PM bids successor 'good luck'
Inspiration for movie 'Norma Rae' dies at 68
Regulators: accounting changes need global reach
New Islamic law in Indonesia's Aceh province
Obama: Some Wall St. firms ignoring Lehman lessons
Classes resume in riot-turn city of Urumqi, China
Indonesia's Aceh passes law on stoning to death
Tenn. ash spill community getting $40M from TVA
China lodges complaint at WTO over US tyre tariffs
Man accused of attacking mayor pleads insanity
Japanese high-tech giants in cellphone merger
Turkmenistan, Russia's Itera sign energy deal
New film Precious gets big push from Oprah
| Entertainment
|
Whitney Houston says mom rescued her from drugs
| Entertainment
|
Correction: Oprah Winfrey story
Winfrey, Tyler Perry push new film `Precious'
'Big Brother' reunion won't have booted contestant
Rocker Juanes' wife gives birth to son in Miami
Apocalypse now? Dark visions at Toronto film festival
| Entertainment
|
'Shakespeare in Love' set to be reborn as theater
World celebrities sing to stop global warming
Intel restructures, senior exec leaves for EMC
Mafia sank boat with radioactive waste: official
Iran agrees date for nuclear talks in move welcomed by US
Top al Qaeda militant killed in Somalia
| International
|
Europe to emerge from recession in 3rd qtr, says EU
U.S. senator promises look into cellphone-cancer link
Iran agrees date for nuclear talks in move welcomed by US
Magna says to cut 10,500 jobs at Opel
Iranian conservative harshly criticises regime
U.S. envoy meets Netanyahu over settlement freeze
| International
|
Broadcom files patent infringement suit against Emulex
Iran's talks with world powers to start next month
Chile to adopt Japanese digital TV standard: Bachelet
Netanyahu says won't freeze building in settlements
Microsoft testing 'Visual Search'
Obama lashes out at Wall Street
Japan cabinet takes shape, Fujii for finance: media
| International
|
New York Times warns readers of website virus
Norway's Stoltenberg set to stay in power
| International
|
UK's Conservatives have 14 point lead: poll
| International
|
U.S. concerned over Venezuela-Russia arms deal
| International
|
U.N. assembly votes for more powerful women's agency
| International
|
Swiss watchdog threatens to sue Google over Street View
US military deaths in Iraq war at 4,344
US military deaths in Afghanistan region at 752
HP shows off new ultra-thin PCs, stylish netbook
| Technology
|
Calif. judge gives ex assistant sheriff 27 months
DC subway worker dies after hit by train last week
3 New York residences raided in terrorism probe
Obama admin fights Bagram detainee court access
Rules on Wilson's outburst open to interpretation
U of Illinois faculty back leaders' ouster
Koreas exchange lists of families separated by war
U.S. senator promises look into cellphone-cancer link
| Technology
|
APNewsBreak: Report says punishment led to killing
Japan cabinet takes shape, Fujii for finance
Defense: Brooke Astor was lucid when changing will
Taiwan sub skipper falls overboard during training
Conservationists say 70 dolphins in Japan released
Classes resume after China syringe attacks
4th Guantanamo detainee agrees to move to Palau
Indonesia's Aceh to allow stoning for adulterers
Malaysian judge hands out 2nd caning for alcohol
Missile kills 4 in Pakistan; 18 die in stampede
US turns over seized prehistoric relics to China
Offshore holdings of NZ govt rise in August
S.Korea T-bonds inch up; eyes on jobs data
Actor Patrick Swayze dead at 57
Seoul shares gain as shipbuilders rally;techs down
S.Korea regulator calls for careful exit
Patrick Swayze dead at 57: report
US seeks fresh look at SKorea auto imports
Lowe, Garner blast Kanye West and 'You lie!' lawmaker
Dirty Dancing star Patrick Swayze dead at 57
| Entertainment
|
Leno launches U.S. prime-time television experiment
| Entertainment
|
Toyota says European demand won't recover till mid-2010
Venice Fest short on prizes for local fare
| Entertainment
|
AES shares rise on report of China interest
Whitney Houston says husband painted evil eyes in house
| Entertainment
|
Lame? Seinfeld stars reunite after 11 years
| Entertainment
|
Kanye West taking time off after debacle
| Entertainment
|
Keanu Reeves hams it up as webisode star
| Entertainment
|
Quentin Tarantino to open Mexican film festival
Actor Patrick Swayze dead at 57
Kiefer Sutherland to head new acting school
| Entertainment
|
New suspect emerges in possible Brian Jones murder
New suspect emerges in possible Brian Jones murder
| Entertainment
|
Marc Jacobs leads pack at NY Fashion Week
New suspect emerges in possible Brian Jones murder
| Entertainment
|
Neil Young taps No Doubt, Chris Martin for benefit
Film star Patrick Swayze dead at 57: reports
Whitney Houston says husband painted evil eyes in house
Lowe, Garner blast Kanye West and 'You lie!' lawmaker
Music world slams Kanye West over awards outburst
Rapper Kanye West taking time off after debacle
Recounts due at 10% of Afghan polling stations
Brown seeks to reassure unions before election
Google launches online news reader 'Fast Flip'
Obama lashes out at Wall Street
Iraqi who threw shoes at Bush released from jail
| International
|
Iraqi shoe thrower released; says he was tortured
Iran says lays ground for more cooperation with IAEA
| International
|
'Dirty Dancing' star Patrick Swayze dead at 57
Afghan recount to cover 10 percent of polling stations
| International
|
Iran nuclear talks probably in Turkey: Solana
One in six Mediterranean mammals face extinction
China says 75 suspects held over far-west needle scare
| International
|
Recounts at 10 percent of Afghan polling stations
Russia's Medvedev says may run in 2012 vote: reports
| International
|
Iran talks likely in Turkey
Chinese schools quietly discard controversial Web filter
| International
|
US lawmakers to quiz military chief on Afghan war
Bagram inmates win right to challenge detention
No more reckless behavior: Obama warns Wall Street
Chinese schools quietly discard controversial Web filter
| Technology
|
Scientists find virtual reality helps relieve pain
| Technology
|
Police: College student kills intruder with sword
Plane crash plotter to appear in Indiana court
A paw and a prayer: Pilots save shelter animals
Obama back on the economy
The Nation's weather
Rights group suspends analyst over Nazi collection
Philippine July remittances surge to 9.3 percent
Iraq shoe-thrower freed, accuses guards of torture
China wants action on IMF at G-20 summit
Pakistan foreign investment falls 36 pct in July-Aug
Taiwan dollar rises on stocks, c.bank caps gains
Japan airline to cut 6,800 jobs and seek tie-up
WRAPUP 2-South Korea says economic support has to stay
San Miguel seeks new business opportunities
SLanka foreign reserves record high: central bank
Seoul shares hit 14-mth closing high; banks gain =2
Prince Harry turns 25
Taiwan's Formosa Plastics plans huge Vietnam port
Dan Brown returns after 6 year wait
Aussie rocker Garrett won't join climate change song
Ukraine dismisses Elton John's adoption bid
Marvel vs. Disney: Two very different Americas
Rightwing Czech hate groups target Roma: report
Indonesia flash floods kill 38: official
No drugs please, we're Singaporean goths
Indonesian rights groups condemn new stoning law
Freemasons hail Dan Brown's latest novel as good fun
| Entertainment
|
Leno launches U.S. prime-time television experiment
Flash floods hit Indonesian village, 25 missing
'Dirty Dancing' star Patrick Swayze dies at 57
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights