WASHINGTON: US president Barack Obama on Tuesday lifted the freeze on military trials for Guantanamo Bay terror suspects by signing an executive order that will create a formal system of indefinite detention of such prisoners.
"I am announcing several steps that broaden our ability to bring terrorists to justice, provide oversight for our actions and ensure the humane treatment of detainees," Obama said in a statement.
Within hours of his taking over as the president, Obama announced a freeze on Guantanamo Bay trials along with a vow to shut down the infamous camp within a year.
Guantanamo Bay still holds 172 prisoners including key suspects from the September 11 attacks and other terror strikes against the US as well as key prisoners scooped from battle fields in Afghanistan. While announcing lifting of the freeze, Obama also issued new guidelines to ensure humane and lawful treatment of suspects considered too dangerous to be released.
"I strongly believe that the American system of justice is a key part of our arsenal in the war against al-Qaida and its affiliates, and we will continue to draw on all aspects of our justice system - including Article III Courts - to ensure that our security and our values are strengthened," Obama said.
"From the beginning of my administration, the United States has worked to bring terrorists to justice consistent with our commitment to protect the American people and uphold our values," he said.
The executive order also provides for periodic review of those detainees who are being held without trial. It also took steps to strengthen the international framework that provides for the humane treatment of detainees.
toi
"I am announcing several steps that broaden our ability to bring terrorists to justice, provide oversight for our actions and ensure the humane treatment of detainees," Obama said in a statement.
Within hours of his taking over as the president, Obama announced a freeze on Guantanamo Bay trials along with a vow to shut down the infamous camp within a year.
Guantanamo Bay still holds 172 prisoners including key suspects from the September 11 attacks and other terror strikes against the US as well as key prisoners scooped from battle fields in Afghanistan. While announcing lifting of the freeze, Obama also issued new guidelines to ensure humane and lawful treatment of suspects considered too dangerous to be released.
"I strongly believe that the American system of justice is a key part of our arsenal in the war against al-Qaida and its affiliates, and we will continue to draw on all aspects of our justice system - including Article III Courts - to ensure that our security and our values are strengthened," Obama said.
"From the beginning of my administration, the United States has worked to bring terrorists to justice consistent with our commitment to protect the American people and uphold our values," he said.
The executive order also provides for periodic review of those detainees who are being held without trial. It also took steps to strengthen the international framework that provides for the humane treatment of detainees.
toi
No comments:
Post a Comment