February 21, 2009

Meet the New Boss -- Same as the Old Boss

The Department of Justice has ruled that approximately 600 enemy combatants held at Bagram Air Force Base in Afghanistan have no Constitutional rights. Therefore, they cannot use the U.S. courts to challenge their detentions. 
The move has disappointed human rights lawyers who had hoped the Obama administration would take a different line to that of George W Bush.
As for the Government's official position, 
In a two-sentence filing, justice department lawyers said the new administration had decided not to change the government's position.

"Having considered the matter, the government adheres to its previously articulated position," said acting assistant Attorney General Michael Hertz in papers filed at the court.

The US justice department argues that Bagram differs from Guantanamo Bay because it is in an overseas war zone and prisoners there are being held as part of ongoing military action.

h/t Hot Air