NYT: Legal System in Iraq Staggers Beneath the Weight of War

[kskiska]

BAGHDAD — In a cavernous room that once displayed gifts given to Saddam Hussein, eight men in yellow prison garb sat on the floor facing the wall, guarded by two American soldiers.

Among them was Abdulla Sultan Khalaf, a Ministry of Industry employee seized by American troops who said they found 10 blasting caps and 100 sticks of TNT. When his name was called, he stood, walked into a cagelike defendant’s box and peered over the wooden slats at a panel of three Iraqi judges of the central court.

The judges reviewed evidence prepared by an American military lawyer — testimony from two soldiers, photographs and a sketch of the scene.

The evidence went largely unchallenged, because Mr. Khalaf had no lawyer. The judges appointed one, but Mr. Khalaf had no chance to speak with him. Mr. Khalaf told the judges that the soldiers were probably chasing a rogue nephew and denied that the explosives were his or ever in his house. “Let me examine the pictures,” he insisted. The judges ignored him. His lawyer said nothing, beyond declaring Mr. Khalaf’s innocence. The trial lasted 15 minutes.

more…
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/17/world/middleeast/17justice.html?hp&ex=1166331600&en=476dccbeb7ecd47f&ei=5094&partner=homepage

[Porcupine]

1. They can't even fake the trappings of a legitimate government.

The "Iraqi government" officials cannot hold a simple trial without Americans standing in for 1/2 the parts. The Iraqi players don't bother to show up.

This is sad. It's like Hitler dressing teenage boys as generals so he can have a staff conference. (not that that really happened but you get the point.)

[Theduckno2]

2. I would like to thank.....

those U.S. and Iraqi personnel that are sacrificing so much AND are genuinely working to provide or improve the Iraqi legal system.

That said; I guess there is more to democracy than just "purple fingers" heh George?

The part about the long term detainees being recruited while they were in detention was especially worrisome.

[appleannie1]

3. That is Bush's idea of Democracy

Look what he has in place at Gitmo. Coming soon to US Courts.