Lt.-Col. Colby Vokey, the military lawyer assigned to defend Canadian Guantanamo detainee Omar Khadr has spoken out against the arbitrary and extra-constitutional nature of the military tribunals that the Bush administration is conducting.
He said the U.S. government has taken the position that "due process does not even apply in these proceedings. I find that very offensive."
The CBC is reporting the comments made by Khadr's lawyer here:
Khadr's military lawyer pushing for Canadian help
Vokey is frustrated by the arbitrary nature of the tribunal, stating to the Canadian media that
"The rules of evidence apparently don't apply, or some of them may apply," Vokey told reporters at a news conference in Toronto on Thursday.
"Some of the rules are made by the presiding officers themselves, and they can change tomorrow."
Vokey travelled to Toronto to acquaint himself with Khadr's family and his two Canadian lawyers who have been working on Khadr's case pro bono.
So, is this part of the whole anti-terror strategery coming unhinged? Has Vokey been embolded to say what he has said in light of recent pronouncements by retired generals? Will his comments made on Canadian soil be viewed as treasonous?
What I admire about this man is what he said:
"My first duty is to defend the constitution of the United States."
This is the bottom line. This is what all elected officials, all military, and yes, even all citizens should be reminded of.
Vokey is not wrapping himself in a flag, but stands on the US Constitution and appears to be waving this document in the faces of those who have been using it as a doormat and/or shredding it in recent years.