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From the Office of Utah Congressman Jim Matheson

MATHESON NEWS
Second Congressional District

For Further Information
Alyson Heyrend: (801) 455-5593 (cell)
www.house.gov/matheson

September 27, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Matheson Says Military Commissions Act Balances Protections and Justice

Washington D.C.-Congressman Jim Matheson today voted for compromise legislation that provides for the prosecution of suspected terrorists within a framework that prohibits torture and affords important legal rights to the accused.

"Dangerous terror suspects are awaiting trial. This compromise bill allows those trials to be held, with substantial rights in place for the accused. I strongly condemn the use of torture.  This legislation prohibits degrading treatment of detainees, including a specific list of banned behaviors, such as cruel or inhumane punishment.  I believe that this legislation strikes the right balance between protecting America from terrorists and providing decent and fair treatment for people suspected of harming us," said Matheson.

The bill-HR 6166-Military Commissions Act-- establishes procedures governing the interrogation and trial of unlawful enemy combatants under U.S. custody anywhere in the world.

Following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the Bush administration set new procedures for war-crimes tribunals for terrorist suspects held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The Supreme Court ruled that the administration's current procedures for trying enemy combatants violate both U.S. law and international treaty obligations.

Matheson said the bill establishes 26 legal rights for alien enemy combatants including:

  • the right to examine and respond to evidence submitted against the defendant
  • the right to legal counsel
  • the right to a presumption of innocence.
  • no requirement that the defendant testify against himself/herself before the military commission
  • the right to appeal to a "Court of Military Commissions Review"
  • no death penalty unless it is expressly authorized and the accused is found guilty by unanimous verdict

Matheson said the bill does not interpret U.S. treaty obligations under the Geneva Conventions, which govern the treatment of captives during battle.  The compromise bill states that the president has the authority to interpret the meaning of the Conventions through executive order and specifies types of interrogation techniques considered in violation of the treaties.  Matheson said he was concerned that under the administration's original proposal, captured U.S. soldiers wouldn't be afforded the Geneva Conventions' protections.

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Alyson Heyrend
Communications Director
240 East Morris Ave. #235
South Salt Lake, UT 84115
(801) 486-1236 (phone)
(801) 455-5593 (cell)
(801) 486-1417 (fax)