- Guantanamo Jumpsuit Detainees; Source: Truthout.org
The attempt by Mohammed’s lawyer to bring up the defendant’s torture claims was rejected by military judge James Pohl declaring it irrelevant. The military commission is to decide this week on the legal challenge filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) to allow testimony on the CIA’s rendition program in the trial. The prosecutors have argued that confidential intelligence methods, sources and activities could be exposed if unrestricted testimony was to be allowed.
On Monday, no substantial rulings were made but it was decided that the defendants are allowed to be absent from future hearings. Mohammed acknowledged this right but responded by saying “I don’t think there is any justice in this court.”
In contrast to a previous, tumultuous 13-hour hearing in May, this session remained calm.
Reuters: Guantanamo hearing grows heated at mention of "torture"
Washington Post: Alleged Sept. 11 mastermind, four others in court for pretrial hearings
Telegraph: Guantanamo judge orders Khalid Sheikh Mohammed lawyers not to discuss torture
