ACLJ Backs Bill: Keep 9/11Trials from Civilian Courts - Calls on Obama to Use Military Tribunals

“Giving accused terrorists the same rights as those afforded to U.S. citizens is not only offensive but represents a dangerous move that puts our national security at risk.” - Jay Sekulow, ACLJ Chief Counsel

WASHINGTON, Feb. 2, 2010—Carrying the support of nearly 100,000 Americans, the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) is backing new bi-partisan legislation to keep 9/11 terror trials from being held in civilian courts. The bill, introduced today by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), would prohibit federal funds from being used to finance the 9/11 terror trials in civilian courts.  The ACLJ is calling on President Obama to use military tribunals-not civilian courts-to try terror suspects. 

"We've already heard from nearly 100,000 people who understand that civilian courts are not the proper place to try these terror suspects," said Jay Sekulow, the ACLJ's chief counsel.  "This shouldn't be about a change of venue.  It should be about a change in policy."

The ACLJ believes that a decision to prevent the trial of accused 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed from taking place in New York City is simply not enough. 

"Putting accused terrorists on trial in civilian courts would limit, and even exclude, important evidence.  This also places our intelligence gathering techniques at risk and can give terror suspects a platform to spew hate and incite more violence," said Sekulow.

Sen. Graham was joined by numerous Senators in co-sponsoring the legislation.  The bi-partisan group includes Independent Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut and Democrats like Sen. Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas and Sen. Jim Webb of Virginia.  The bill would prohibit the use of Justice Department funds for the prosecution of 9/11 terror suspects in civilian courts.  You can read the text of the bill here. 

In addition to Senate legislation, there are several measures pending in the House that would accomplish the same goal.  Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.) introduced HR 4542-a measure that would prohibit funding terror trials in civilian courts.  Rep. Todd Tiahrt (R-Kan.) has also introduced HR 4111 which would strip the Justice Department of authority to prosecute enemy combatants.

This latest legislative push comes as pressure intensifies to keep Khalid Sheikh Mohammed from being tried in federal court in New York City.  The Obama Administration reportedly is now examining other sites for the trial, but is still planning to utilize the U.S. criminal justice system-not military tribunals.

A new poll from Rasmussen reveals that 67% of the American people want terrorism suspects tried by military tribunals, not civilian courts.  

"The American people understand that President Obama's flawed judicial strategy for trying terrorism suspects is simply unacceptable," said Sekulow.  "Public opinion coupled with new Congressional legislation should spell out a clear message for President Obama - try terrorism suspects in military tribunals, not civilian courts."

Led by Chief Counsel Jay Sekulow, the American Center for Law and Justice focuses on constitutional law and is based in Washington, D.C.  The ACLJ is online at www.aclj.org. 

-30-