Posted by
Scatbug on Tuesday, April 29, 2008 7:32:16 PM
News from Guantanamo, via the AP:
The case against Salim Ahmed Hamdan of Yemen is scheduled to be the first to reach trial at the U.S. Navy base in southeast Cuba next month. But his decision to boycott could prolong a process already delayed by legal challenges.
At a pretrial hearing Monday, Hamdan said he would not participate in the trial and he does not want the help of his defense lawyers. He said he felt no hope of justice after more than six years in confinement.
The judge, Navy Capt. Keith Allred, tried to persuade Hamdan to reconsider and ordered a recess without consulting the detainee further.
Perhaps tonight, while thumbing through his personal Koran and finishing his halal evening meal, Mr. Hamdan might recognize a few signs of hope, such as: 1) He has been afforded a trial and a presumption of innocence (ahem); 2) American defense attorneys are working tirelessly and sincerely on his behalf; and 3) The presiding judge, upon being informed of the "boycott", did not say: "Fine by me. Escort the prisoner out behind the dumpster and take his head off. I'm already late for my tee time. Oh, and sergeant? Requisition some AV equipment for this one."