DOD: don’t rule out civilian trials of detainees

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Defense Department’s general counsel has urged Congress to allow the Obama administration to use civilian courts as well as military commissions to prosecute detainees at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

Jeh Johnson said a Republican bill to virtually remove the civilian option would make it more likely that courts would step in when detainees challenge their detentions. He testified today before the House Armed Services Committee.

President Barack Obama earlier this month reversed course and ordered a resumption of military trials for terror suspects. Subsequently, Republicans in both houses introduced legislation demanding tougher restrictions for terror suspects. The bills would give the defense secretary rather than the attorney general final say on keeping a detainee in military custody.

Johnson said it’s important not to take away the civilian court option.