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Sunday, July 09, 2006

Did Gitmo Attorneys Pull A "Lynne Stewart"?

Uh-Oh... there are reports that some of the Gitmo detainees' lawyers may have been passing handwritten notes and other third party communications to their clients under the guise of "attorney-client privilege". This unauthorized communication may have been involved in the three suicides at Gitmo. According to the story in the Washington Post...

"In an affidavit filed with the court, Rear Adm. Harry B. Harris Jr., the facility's commander, said the Naval Criminal Investigative Service has information that suggests the suicides 'may have been part of a larger plan or pact for more suicides that day or in the immediate future."

"He also said that on June 22, he asked NCIS to investigate whether the suicides were 'otherwise encouraged, ordered, or assisted by other detainees or third persons' - implying that the probe could extend to lawyers for the men - and whether their private communications could have included improper materials."

The WaPo also reported that...

"Notes that investigators found after the suicides on June 10 were apparently written on the back of notepaper stamped 'Attorney Client Privilege', which allowed detainees to communicate secretly without interference, according to government officials."

The lawyers involved with Gitmo detainees are outraged. The Center for Constitutional Rights is one of the main providers of legal counsel at Gitmo. They are also leading the charge for the impeachment of President Bush and have close ties to the anti-American organizations like Code Pink, ANSWER and others. Their involvement in the legal process of Gitmo detainees is suspect at best.

While Barbara Olshansky (from the CCR) calls the allegations "patently offensive and outrageous", I am sure her stomach is in knots recalling February 2005 events. That was when Lynne (I hate America) Stewart was "found guilty of all five counts including conspiracy to defraud the United States, providing and concealing material support and making false statements."

This from CNN back in 2/05...

"During the trial, prosecutors played surveillance tape of a two-day May 2000 visit by Stewart to show she provided cover for Yousry (Arabic interpreter) as he relayed Islamic Group messages to Rahman (convicted terrorist whose followers bombed the WTC in 1993), including a Sattar (a paralegal in the case) letter seeking guidance on whether the group should continue a cease-fire of terrorist activities against Egypt's government. Prosecutors said Stewart tried to distract prison guards to cover conversations between Yousey and Rahman."

Be afraid Ms. Olshansky and comrades... Be very afraid...

Related Posts...
Center for Constitutional Rights - Terrorist Supporters and Impeachment Brokers

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