No terror trials in civilian courts

Sen. Lindsey Graham’s bill to keep 9-11 terror trials out of civilian courts is exactly what’s needed.  The fact is President Obama needs to do more than just change the location of the trial of accused 9-11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed - he needs to utilize military tribunals – the most appropriate forum to bring these accused terrorists to justice.

This shouldn’t be about a change of venue.  It should be about a change in policy.  It’s time to do what Sen. Graham’s bill requires – no Justice Department funds to be used for the prosecution of 9-11 terror suspects in civilian courts.  Not in New York City.  Not on U.S. soil.

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.  Putting accused terrorists on trial in civilian courts would limit – and even exclude – important evidence – place our intelligence gathering techniques at risk – and even give terror suspects a platform to spew hate and incite more violence. 

That’s exactly why we are supporting Sen. Graham’s bill – and other legislation – to keep 9-11 terror trials out of civilian courts.  It is encouraging that Sen. Graham’s effort is a bi-partisan one that includes Independent Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut and Democrat Senators Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas and Jim Webb of Virginia.

Sen. Graham is not alone in this legislative push.  In the House, there are several measures pending that would accomplish the same goal.  Rep. Peter King (R-NY) introduced HR 4542 – a measure that would prohibit funding terror trials in civilian courts.  And, Rep. Todd Tiahrt (R-KS) has introduced HR 4111 which would strip the Justice Department of authority to prosecute enemy combatants.

In addition to growing opposition in Congress to terror trials being held in civilian courts, most Americans understand the dangers involved.  A new poll by Rasmussen indicates 67% of Americans want terror suspects tried by military tribunals, not civilian courts.

And, at our organization, we have heard from nearly 100,000 Americans who oppose using the federal court system to try accused terrorists.

It’s clear that the American people understand that President Obama’s flawed judicial strategy for trying terrorism suspects is simply unacceptable.  That coupled with the increasing pressure from Congress, it’s time the president gets the message – put the 9-11 terror suspects before military tribunals.