Litigation

Holder: Terror Trial in NY Still Possible

By Peter Hardin

Accused 9/11 mastermind Khalid Shaikh Mohammad and his co-defendants still could face a trial in Manhattan, or perhaps the larger Southern District of New York region, Attorney General Eric Holder told the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday.

Holder defended the Obama administration’s record in prosecuting terrorism suspects, policies for which he came under sharp criticism from Republicans.

Justice at Stake covered the Holder hearing on Twitter, and you can check out the Twitter reports by clicking on http://twitter.com/justicestake.

In his appearance, Holder made these points:

• A 9/11 terror trial prosecution in New York is “not off the table,” he said, according to a New York Times article. Earlier, there were widespread reports the Obama administration was backing away from plans for a trial in New York City. Holder said local officials’ concerns were taken into consideration.
• While the Obama administration intends to close the Guantanamo Bay military prison, that might not be possible unless Congress approves funding needed for a replacement facility, Holder said, according to ABC News.
• Clarifying remarks he made earlier this year on Capitol Hill, Holder said about Osama Bin Laden, “Our goal is to either capture Osama Bin laden or to kill him.”
• He vigorously argued against barring trials for accused terrorists in federal civilian courts, saying a ban would “seriously weaken our national security,” according to a Washington Post article.

You can learn more about the controversies Holder addressed by visiting Gavel Grab.

Full post as published by The Gavel on April 14, 2010 (boomark / email).