New York City
I am a prosecutor, and as a prosecutor my top priority was simply to select the venue where the government will have the greatest opportunity to present the strongest case in the best forum.
Venue
Is New York City really the best venue to present the strongest case against Khalid Shaikh Mohammed? I disagree with the decision to try KSM in civilian court instead of a military tribunal, however, if Holder is going to go ahead and try him in a civilian court is New York the place that will get him a fair trial?
Show Trial
Many Americans are afraid that KSM could even be acquitted. The feds however have assured us that in the unlikely event that did happen they would just hold him indefinitely as an international terrorist So why do it in civilian court at all? It will take longer, cost more money, and give this guy a huge platform to spread propaganda. KSM has a reputation for grandstanding during trials. One theory is that KSM’s lawyers will be able to present evidence that will paint the CIA and the former administration in a negative light. That would make this trial a political move.
Public Opinion
64 percent believe Mohammed should be tried in military court. Link
Historical Precedence
Hot Air writes
Not only does Graham have to tell him that there’s no precedent for trying battlefield detainees in civilian court, but Holder’s emphasis on how we don’t need a confession to convict Bin Laden completely misses the larger point Graham’s trying to make.