NACDL - National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
News Release
Nation's Criminal Defense Bar Applauds Administration's Efforts to Close Guantanamo, But Says the Framework Falls Short
February 23, 2016
Washington, DC (Feb. 23, 2016) – Today, the Administration released what it says is a "Plan for Closing the Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility." While there are serious deficiencies in that plan, the administration is to be commended for continuing its effort to at long last shutter the detention facility. Of particular note are the provisions that would facilitate the transfer of those detainees who have been cleared and speed up the pace of the review of the remaining candidates for transfer.
"While NACDL welcomes this effort to close the facility, unfortunately the proposal released today envisions both flawed Military Commissions as well as the practice of indefinite detention without charge on U.S. soil. The continuation of either, anywhere is simply unacceptable," said NACDL President E.G. "Gerry" Morris. "NACDL has long maintained that the facility, the commissions, and the practice of indefinite detention without charge are stains on the U.S. Constitution. They should be immediately discontinued. Article III courts are best suited to handle these complex cases. And if charges cannot be brought against certain detainees, they should be released. Period."
Ivan J. Dominguez, NACDL Director of Public Affairs & Communications, (202) 465-7662 or idominguez@nacdl.org for more information.
The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers is the preeminent organization advancing the mission of the criminal defense bar to ensure justice and due process for persons accused of crime or wrongdoing. A professional bar association founded in 1958, NACDL's many thousands of direct members in 28 countries – and 90 state, provincial and local affiliate organizations totaling up to 40,000 attorneys – include private criminal defense lawyers, public defenders, military defense counsel, law professors and judges committed to preserving fairness and promoting a rational and humane criminal legal system.
