I`ll skip trial if strip searches go on: Gitmo detainee

The only Guantanamo Bay detainee to be prosecuted in civilian courts plans to boycott his September trial.

New York: The only Guantanamo Bay detainee to be prosecuted in civilian courts has told a judge that he will waive his right to attend his trial if strip search procedures are not changed.

Ahmed Khalfan Ghailani told Judge Lewis Kaplan of his plans to boycott his September trial during Thursday’s hearing in federal court in Manhattan.

Ghailani was brought to court against his wishes so Kaplan could tell him that his defence against terrorism charges might be harmed if he does not participate in his trial. He says he understands that.
One member of Ghailani`s defence team has told the judge that Ghailani has said he doesn`t want any more strip searches, even if it means spending the rest of his life in jail.

PTI