Only real step now left to Bush is to shut down the camp

8.11.10pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 29th Jun 2006

US Supreme Court's rules Bush administration does not have the authority to try terrorism suspects by military commission

Liz Lynne, West Midland Liberal Democrat MEP and member of the Human Rights Sub Committee in the European Parliament, who recently negotiated the European Parliament's resolution on Guantánamo Bay, today praised the US Supreme Court's decision that the Bush administration does not have the authority to try terrorism suspects by military commission.

Commenting on the landmark ruling by the US Supreme Court, Liz Lynne said "We have long been saying that military tribunals are a travesty of justice and if there is evidence then prisoners should be tried under international law or released. I am pleased the US Supreme Court backs this position and President Bush should put his money where his mouth is and close Guantánamo forthwith."

"The Courts ruling that the proceedings violated the Geneva Convention is hugely damning to the administration. The only real step now left to Bush is to shut down the camp. The fight against terror cannot be fought by undermining the most basic principles of human rights."

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights provides that no-one should be subjected to arbitrary detention and that deprivation of liberty must be based on grounds and procedures established by law.

2. The Geneva Conventions uphold that prisoners of war should be tried by a competent tribunal, not a military tribunal.

3. Military Commissions do not grant independent appeals. Appeals lie within the jurisdiction of the military review board instead of civilian courts, with ultimate appeal to the Secretary of Defence and possibly the President. In this system, the President acts as judge, jury, and prosecutor.

4. In military trials, defendant and his lawyer are not permitted to see classified or "protected" evidence. This creates a challenge for the defendant to confront the evidence against him.

5. Evidence gained through torture can be used against the defendant. This goes against the Convention Against Torture.

For further information, comment or to book an interview, please telephone Liz Lynne on or 077644 52725(mobile) or Press Officer Ollie Newham on 01789 266354