Washington: A bi-partisan group of six
Senators today asked the Obama Administration to reverse its
decision to try Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and other alleged
conspirators in the September 11, 2001 attacks, in civilian
court rather than military commissions.
"Given the risks and costs, it is far more logical,
cost-effective, and strategically wise to try Mohammed in the
military commissions that Congress and the President have now
established for that very purpose," the six Senators wrote in
a letter to the Attorney General, Eric Holder.
The six Senators are Joe Lieberman, Lindsey Graham,
Blanche Lincoln, Susan Collins, Jim Webb and John McCain.
The Senators expressed their concerns regarding the
policies of this Administration with respect to those
prisoners now detained at Guantanamo, and also any others who
in the future might be charged with acts of international
terrorism.
"We remain particularly concerned about using the US
criminal justice system for trying enemy combatants," they
said.
"Of special importance, due to time constraints and
location, we strongly urge you to reconsider your decision to
try Mohammed and the other alleged conspirators in the
September 11, 2001 attacks in the US District Court for the
Southern District of New York," the letter said.
The attacks of 9/11 were acts of war, and those who
planned and carried out those attacks are war criminals, they
noted.
PTI
