Defense Team Outnumbered in Gitmo Trials

[Judi Lynn]

Defense Team Outnumbered in Gitmo Trials
Prosecutors in Guantanamo Trials Outnumber Defense Attorneys 4-1, Defense Team Head Says

By MIRANDA LEITSINGER Associated Press Writer

GUANTANAMO BAY NAVAL BASE, Cuba Jan 13, 2006 — Prosecutors outnumber defense lawyers 4-to-1 at military trials for terror suspects at Guantanamo Bay, the chief defense counsel said, arguing that his team needs more staff.

The U.S. prosecution team has 17 members compared to four military defense attorneys, said Marine Col. Dwight Sullivan after a hearing Thursday involving a Canadian teenager accused of killing a U.S. medic during fighting in Afghanistan.

"We have nine cases. So clearly we need more personnel resources," Sullivan said. "Obviously there's quite an imbalance between the prosecutor's office and our office."

Sullivan said two civilian attorneys would join their team and they were attempting to mobilize a number of Army reserve lawyers to join the defense office over the next few months.
(snip/...)

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=1501850

[bluestateguy]

1. Could we put Ken Lay on trial in a military tribunal?

That would be cool.

[Eugene]

2. Outnumbered and inexperienced...

From a Reuters article dated yesterday...

Guantanamo tribunal ordered to call teen "Mr. Khadr"
Thu Jan 12, 2006 6:51 PM ET

<snip>
His attorneys said Khadr would wait to enter a plea until a more experienced military lawyer
is appointed to represent him. The one he is currently assigned has never defended anyone
in court before.

This tribunal promises to be a farce.

[DELUSIONAL]

3. What is happening to these poor souls is the future of citizens in the US

if bushie is allowed to continue down this path.

He has no intention of giving up his dictatorship.

[B3Nut]

4. Can we say

"Kangaroo Court", boys and girls? Great. I knew you could.

Todd in Beerbratistan

[struggle4progress]

5. Khadr likely to get new legal team

A Toronto teenager being held at a U.S. military prison in Guantanamo Bay may soon get a new, more senior legal team.

Omar Khadr, 19, didn't speak during the second day of pre-trial hearings into his murder case. Charged in the death in 2002 of an American soldier in Afghanistan, his next court appearance is March 27.

Khadr had requested Lt.-Col. Colby Vokey, an experienced U.S. military lawyer, because his current lawyer has no trial experience.

The presiding officer at Khadr's tribunal, Col. Robert Chester, said Friday that Khadr should soon have Vokey. Khadr has also requested a Canadian lawyer, but Chester said he wasn't sure whether foreigners could participate in the controversial tribunal process ...

http://www.cbc.ca/toronto/story/to_khadr20060113.html