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Bush Allows Secret Trials by Military for Non-U.S. Terror Suspects
WASHINGTON, Nov
14 (News Agencies) - President George W. Bush signed an order late Tuesday that would allow for non-U.S. suspected terrorists to be tried before a special military panel instead of in civilian courts, the White House said.
"He signed a military order today which gives him an additional tool in fighting the war against terrorism and bringing terrorists to justice," said spokeswoman Anne Womack.
The order gives Bush the power to direct U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld to set up a military commission to try non-U.S. terror suspects.
The order said "any individual who is not a United States citizen" that is or was a member of Saudi-born suspected terror mastermind Osama bin Laden's al-Qaeda network, has engaged in or conspired to commit acts of terrorism or harbored any such suspects would be subject to the rule.
It said such individuals had to be detained and tried by military tribunals so that the United States could ensure the security of both its citizens and those in countries committed to Washington's global war on terrorism.
The president has been calling for enhanced law enforcement powers since September 11 terror strikes on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, which Washington blames on bin Laden.
"It may be very difficult to try a terrorist of high prominence, say, someone like Osama bin Laden, in a regular civilian court in the United States and ensure the safety of people associated with the trial," said a Bush administration official who requested anonymity.
The order said it was "not practicable to apply in military commissions under this order the principles of law and the rules of evidence generally recognized in the trial of criminal cases" in U.S. federal courts.
The defense secretary is authorized to detain suspects "at an appropriate location... outside or within the United States, where they must be "treated humanely" and allowed to freely practice their religion.
The secretary is requested to define military commission procedures, including rules of conduct, modes of proof, issuance of process, qualification of attorneys and penalties, "including life imprisonment or death".
Two-thirds of present members of the commission must agree on conviction and sentencing, and a majority of members must be present for a trial to proceed.
The order said those tried in the military courts would not have future recourse in other U.S., foreign or international courts.
The Bush administration official said under the new system, "it's easier to protect sources and methods of investigations, and some of the evidence will be very, very sensitive," and should not be revealed to the public.
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