CAIR CALLS RULING AGAINST GITMO TRIALS ‘VICTORY FOR RULE OF LAW’

(WASHINGTON, DC, 6/29/06) - A prominent national Islamic civil rights and advocacy group today welcomed a Supreme Court ruling that President Bush exceeded his authority in ordering military tribunals for Guantanamo Bay detainees.

In a 5-3 decision, the court said the proposed trials were illegal under U.S. law and the Geneva Conventions. The ruling also raises questions about the legal status of those being held at the Guantanamo Bay prison.

SEE: US Guantanamo Tribunals ‘Illegal’ (BBC)

“Today’s Supreme Court decision is a victory for the rule of law that will help to improve our nation’s deteriorating image worldwide,” said Corey Saylor, government affairs director for the Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR).

CAIR, America’s largest Muslim civil liberties group, has 32 offices, chapters and affiliates nationwide and in Canada. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.