THE EDITOR, Sir:
TODAY I read an article on BBC online that reported a ruling recently made in 9th Court of Appeals in San Francisco regarding the suspected members of the Al-Qaida terrorist group being detained in Cuba.
A local group had petitioned a hearing claiming that the rights of these men were being violated, since they were being held without formal charge, without being told for how long they would be detained, without access to legal representation and without permission to contact their families. The only reason that the court could find to dismiss the charge was that the Cuban group had no ties to these "illegal combatants" and so could not petition on their behalf.
Remember that this December will make a year that most of these men have been held there and that they are being denied 'prisoners-of-war' status which would provide them with these and other rights.
I wonder whether the USA's actions are motivated by the fear that could they defend themselves, they might prove that their 'actions' while connected with the Al-Qaida group might be justified as legitimate military activity. I was appalled that such a mere technicality would be used to evade and dismiss a valid claim for these people's rights.
I am also surprised at the lack of attention that this matter has been given in the international community, especially considering the traditional concern with human rights issues around the world. It seems that people have forgotten the 600 people who are being held without access to some of their most basic rights.
I do wholeheartedly sympathise with Americans for their loss, but I also believe that freedom to trial and legal representation should apply to all, even those that we feel have done wrong. That's one of the main points of democracy.
I am, etc.,
NOVIA MCKAY
devenite@hotmail.com
Minnesota
Via Go-Jamaica
