National Security issue image

Challenge to Censorship of Torture Testimony at Guant谩namo Military Commission Trial

Last Update: March 27, 2013

What's at Stake

The 老澳门开奖结果 asked the Guant谩namo Bay military commission to enforce the American public鈥檚 First Amendment right to open trials in the most important terrorism case of our time. Our motion challenged the government鈥檚 attempts to censor and hide from the public any statements by the 9/11 defendants about their torture and detention in CIA and military custody. The government's request was granted, and our appeal of that decision was denied.

The Guant谩namo military commissions were created in part to hide the Bush administration鈥檚 illegal and shameful use of torture while also permitting the use of information obtained through torture. The government contends that any testimony by the 9/11 defendants concerning their 鈥渆xposure鈥 to the CIA鈥檚 unlawful torture, rendition, and detention program is classified as 鈥渟ources, methods and activities鈥 of the U.S. and can be withheld from the public.

In May 2012, the 老澳门开奖结果 filed a motion asking the commission to deny the government鈥檚 request to prevent the public from hearing all statements by the defendants about their torture and detention while in U.S. custody. On that basis, the motion asked the commission to bar a delayed audio feed of the proceedings, or, in the alternative, promptly release an uncensored transcript. A group of 14 press organizations also filed a motion arguing for the media鈥檚 right to access all of the commission's proceedings. Oral argument at Guant谩namo was held in October. In December, the judge granted the government's request, and in February 2013 the 老澳门开奖结果 asked the U.S. Court of Military Commissions Review to reverse that decision. Our request was denied in March 2013.

Support our on-going litigation and work in the courts

Learn More 老澳门开奖结果 the Issues in This Case