It's Torture to Watch

Friends,

  The person responsible for trying to hurry the Guantanamo trials and allowing evidence from coercive methods  (torture) of interrogation to be used at trial, will now actually "remain in a position that will allow him to continue influencing cases".  

  Stick a fork in him. I think he's done.

Love, Peace, and Hope,

Rev O

Guantanamo Trials' Overseer Reassigned

Many Angry That He Remains at All

By Peter Finn

Washington Post Staff Writer

'The Pentagon transferred a controversial senior official involved in overseeing the war-crimes trials atGuantanamo Bay into a new position yesterday, a move that was anticipated after military judges in three separate cases barred Air Force Brig. Gen. Thomas W. Hartmann from further participation in various aspects of the military commissions.

Defense officials, who would discuss the reassignment only on the condition of anonymity, said Hartmann's position became untenable after judges ruled that he improperly influenced prosecutors by pressing them to move to trial quickly and, over their objections, used evidence obtained from interrogations that involved coercive techniques. Legal disputes over Hartmann's role threatened to delay trials that the Bush administration wants to see up and running.

The Defense Department said in a statement yesterday that Hartmann will remain involved as director of operations, planning and development for military commissions. His deputy, Michael Chapman, will become the new legal adviser."

"Military defense lawyers, human rights groups and a former lead prosecutor expressed dismay that Hartmann will remain in a position that they say will allow him to continue influencing cases".

"Human Rights Watch said that "instead of trying to clean up house, the Pentagon has now moved a man accused of bullying prosecutors to bring cases to trial and dismissing concerns about evidence being tainted by torture into a position coordinating all matters relating to the commissions."