Detainees To Get More Legal Protection

President Obama unveiled a plan that would allow military commissions to continue, while providing more legal rights to detainees. Among the changes sent to Congress: statements obtained through inhumane measures will not be admissible in court; witnesses who provide hearsay evidence will bear the burden of proof that such statements are true; accused detainees will have greater latitude in selecting defense attorneys, as well as greater protection if they refuse to testify, and military commission judges will have the authority to establish the jurisdiction of their courts. The changes take effect automatically within 60 days of the administration’s May 15 announcement. Meanwhile, the Defense Department plans to ask for a 120-day delay, to give Congress a chance to review the new rules.