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| Lawmakers agree to holding Guantanamo inmates in US |
| By google.com |
| Published: 10/08/2009 |
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WASHINGTON — Congressional leaders agreed for the first time that Guantanamo detainees could be sent to US soil for trial, boosting President Barack Obama's bid to close the prison. In two different draft bills, key Democratic lawmakers added clauses that would authorize detainees at the US naval base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba to be transferred to the United States to face trial under strict conditions. But they did not address whether the Obama administration can hold prisoners indefinitely without charge in the United States or what the fate would be of those who may be acquitted after trial. Both draft texts explicitly barred any of the 223 detainees still in Guantanamo from being freed in the United States -- an issue now before the Supreme Court. Democratic senators and congressmen added language to a Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill that "prohibits" detainees from being transferred to the United States "except to be prosecuted." Such transfers would only be allowed after Congress receives a plan detailing the risks involved, how to mitigate them and other demands. A less specific clause added to a Defense Department authorization bill demands that the president provide a "comprehensive disposition plan" at least 45 days prior to any transfer of detainees to the United States. The measures must still face a vote before the full Senate and House of Representatives. Just last week, the House voted to prevent the transfer of Guantanamo detainees to the United States for any reason. Read More. |
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