Jul 5, 2003, 6:43 PM

Islamic Rights Group Concerns as 'Terror Suspects' May Face Military Tribunal

TEHRAN, July 5 (Mehr News Agency) -- The London-based Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC) on Saturday expressed "deep concern" as six terror suspects at the hands of the U.S. Army face prospects of military tribunal.

"IHRC notes the Bush administration’s statement that six ‘terrorist’ suspects including British and Australian citizens, are to be tried by a military tribunal with deep concern," said a statement issued by the group.

"It is horrific to see the antithesis of a just order being enforced by the Bush administration," said IHRC Chairman, Massoud Shadjareh, "IHRC, as so many other human rights organisations has already outlined its concerns regarding the military tribunals."

The IHRC statement is about the Executive Order on the Detention, Treatment, and Trial of Certain Non-Citizens in the War Against Terrorism issued by U.S. President George W. Bush in November 2001.

"In summary the six face secret trial without access to evidence used against them. They may not be able
to choose their legal representatives, and there is no requirement for a unanimous decision by the military panel to convict them," he added.

As America celebrated its independence on Friday, it did so at the expense of  the liberty and rights of others, he said warning that at the end of the "atrocious" process the detainees face possible execution.

According to the activist, the military tribunals, like Camp X-Ray, are more akin to Nazi Germany than a country claiming to fight for freedom.

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MNA

News ID 502

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