U.S. May Ease Tribunal Rules

U.S. May Ease Tribunal Rules

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

August 14, 2003


Washington - Friends and critics alike are pressing the Bush administration to change its new rules for trying suspects in the global war on terrorism - rules for the first military tribunals planned by the United States since World War II. And it appears the Pentagon is prepared to bend a little.

On Tuesday the Pentagon's top lawyer, William Haynes, held a third round of negotiations through which Britain is seeking special treatment for its two citizens facing trial - talks that critics say smack of political favoritism.

The American Bar Association said Tuesday that the administration should drop plans to let agents eavesdrop on conversations between terrorism suspects and defense lawyers and should ease other restrictions to ensure that military tribunals are fair and open.

The ABA took no position on whether individual, civilian lawyers should participate in tribunals, although another lawyers' organization, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, has said it would be unethical to represent terrorism suspects under the current rules.

Legal and human rights experts said the London talks could force more changes in a new tribunal system that is seen internationally as secretive, unfair and full of rights abuses. (snip/...)

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