UK Guardian: Camp Delta Rules 'Bar' Civilian Lawyers

[AlexanderBarca]

The guidelines established by the US authorities in Guantanamo Bay may make it impossible for the Britons facing military tribunals to get civilian lawyers without direct British government intervention, it emerged yesterday.
The tribunal rules for civilian legal counsel, a copy of which has been seen by the Guardian, put up significant obstacles to any lawyer offering representation.

He or she would have to pay all expenses, including the cost of security clearance, and flights to the US-run enclave on the eastern tip of Cuba. Once there, lawyers would not be allowed to leave without the permission of a senior officer.

The guidelines require the lawyer to agree that: "Once proceedings have begun, I will not travel from the site of the proceedings without the approval of the appointing authority of the presiding officer."

The lawyers, who have to be US citizens, could not "discuss, transmit, communicate or otherwise share documents or information specific to the case with anyone except as is necessary to represent client before a military commission."

Breaking such rules, for example by complaining to the press, could lead to detention on the island.

(more)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/alqaida/story/0,12469,999740,00.html


This is beyond frightening. How can the rest of the world stand for this?

[NYC]

1. The lawyers could wind up as prisoners?

"Breaking such rules, for example by complaining to the press, could lead to detention on the island."

That is simply amazing. I wouldn't have the courage, and I guess that's the plan.

[teryang]

2. The chief defense lawyer is reported to be

...an old Bush I crony. No apparent conflict of interest there.

[pw]

3. Representing clients under such circumstances

has been called unethical by a bunch of legal experts. So in addition to paying for everything, including the open-ended cost of having the government investigate your business and private life, you could end up disbarred when you get back.