Obama will help select location of Khalid Sheik Mohammed terrorism trial

washingtonpost.com ^ | Feb. 12, 2010 | Anne E. Kornblut and Carrie Johnson

[Free ThinkerNY]

President Obama is planning to insert himself into the debate about where to try the accused mastermind of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, three administration officials said Thursday, signaling a recognition that the administration had mishandled the process and triggered a political backlash.

Obama initially had asked Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. to choose the site of the trial in an effort to maintain an independent Justice Department. But the White House has been taken aback by the intense criticism from political opponents and local officials of Holder's decision to try Khalid Sheik Mohammed in a civilian courtroom in New York.

Administration officials acknowledge that Holder and Obama advisers were unable to build political support for the trial. And Holder, in an interview Thursday, left open the possibility that Mohammed's trial could be switched to a military commission, although he said that is not his personal and legal preference.

"At the end of the day, wherever this case is tried, in whatever forum, what we have to ensure is that it's done as transparently as possible and with adherence to all the rules," Holder said. "If we do that, I'm not sure the location or even the forum is as important as what the world sees in that proceeding."

[chainsaw]

Move it to Chicongo, Illinois, where it belongs. Then send him to Thompson prison also in Illinois.

[Yaelle]

I'm not sure the location or even the forum is as important as what the world sees in that proceeding."

What the world sees?? Will we hear Khalid Sheikh Mohamed taking the stand, to tell about his torture and waterboarding at the hands of the Great Satan?? Will the world get days of Osama bin Laden's points of view?? What exactly does the Obama administration WISH for the world to see?

[556x45]

Is that how youre reading it? I wasnt sure what h was saying and I think he meant it that way. A squishy stmt that really said nothing so he can claim ‘victory’ for how ever this turns out. Frankly, this is a IBG no win for Holder and O. Holder and esp O have a talent for screwing up hugely in public.

[Fresh Wind]

Why? You've already declared that KSM will be found guilty and executed. And if he isn't, you say you'll hold him at Guantanamo indefinitely anyway.

And having said that, and having provided KSM with the best lawyers tax money can buy, the chances of conviction are nil. I can't wait to hear Baraq Sheik Obama's excuses. That should do wonders for his poll numbers.

[sonic109]

Now that those who are to prosecute have claimed publically the defendant %100 guilty before a trial any good lawyer can get him off . Good move you Muslim bastard