The neocons want to introduce a bill that would allow the government to detain indefinitely anyone,
including US citizens, they suspect of being linked to terrorism. The prisoners would have no access to civilian courts as well as greatly reduced rights. That such a bill would gut the Constitution and could be used by an Administration against political enemies is obvious. Yes, it really is that bad.
This is a serious threat to freedom of speech, including blogging. Republicans and military lawyers are opposing it too. Let's all work together to stop it. Now.
Bush submits new terror detainee bill
U.S. citizens suspected of terror ties might be detained indefinitely and barred from access to civilian courts under legislation proposed by the Bush administration, say legal experts reviewing an early version of the bill.
White House Proposal Would Expand Authority of Military Courts
Under the proposed procedures, defendants would lack rights to confront accusers, exclude hearsay accusations, or bar evidence obtained through rough or coercive interrogations. They would not be guaranteed a public or speedy trial and would lack the right to choose their military counsel, who in turn would not be guaranteed equal access to evidence held by prosecutors.
An early draft of the new measure prepared by civilian political appointees and leaked to the media last week has been modified in response to criticism from uniformed military lawyers. But the provisions allowing a future expansion of the courts to cover new crimes and more prisoners were retained, according to government officials familiar with the deliberations.
My blog, Politics in the Zeros has coverage in the military tribunals category.
AMERICAblog has coverage too.
Let's all fight to stop this assault on the Constitution.