Tom Harkin: Statement Of Senator Harkin On Supreme Court Decision To Hear Terror Detainee Case

June 29, 2007 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today issued the following statement regarding the Supreme Court’s announcement that it will hear two cases on whether Guantanamo Bay detainees can challenge their imprisonment in federal court.

Harkin recently introduced legislation requiring the U.S. Department of Defense to close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and resolve the legal status of at least 385 prisoners currently held there. A number of human rights groups are supporting the Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility Act of 2007, including the American Civil Liberties Union, Amnesty International, Human Rights First and Human Rights Watch.

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“I am pleased that the Supreme Court has now agreed to hear this important case to determine whether Guantanamo Bay detainees can challenge their imprisonment in federal courts.

“Guantanamo Bay has been the sight of abuses that have cast a stain on our nation’s character. By continuing to isolate detainees on Guantanamo Bay without bringing charges against them, we have forfeited our moral leadership and hindered our ability to rally support in our fight against terrorism.

“I will continue to press the Administration to close this facility and resolve the legal status of its detainees, including the transfer of criminal detainees to state-of-the-art, maximum security facilities within the United States. Taking this step is both the smart and the right thing to do. The sooner we close Guantanamo Bay, the sooner American can reclaim its reputation as a human rights leader.”

Source: Senator Tom Harkin