U.S.: Pentagon Denies Access to Guantanamo Trials; Human Rights Groups Shut Out of Military Commissions

2004-02-24

(Washington, February 24, 2004) -- The Pentagon has refused to allow three leading human rights groups to attend and observe military commission trials of detainees at Guantanamo Bay.

"The Pentagon has imposed a gag rule on defense lawyers, who can only speak to the press with the military’s permission. Now it wants to shut out experienced trial observers who could provide the public with independent analysis."
Wendy Patten, U.S. advocacy director at Human Rights Watch

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