Military Lawyers Honored for Challenging Guantánamo Policies

The American Civil Liberties Union presented Medal of Liberty awards to the five military defense lawyers who represented the first round of defendants at the Guantánamo Bay tribunals and challenged the entire military commission system.

Beyond providing legal representation to their clients, the JAG lawyers have staked their personal reputations and military careers by advocating on their clients' behalf and criticizing the commission rules and procedures, the lack of resources and the treatment of their clients.

Below are links to videos of the award ceremony and the lawyers' speeches. (Requires Real Player or Windows Media Player )

Lt. Col. Mark A. Bridges Job: Defense counsel in the Office of the Chief Defense Counsel, representing Ali Hamza Ahmed Sulayman al Bahlul of Yemen. Challenged: Jurisdiction and procedures of the military commissions in federal court and in proceedings held in Guantánamo Bay, Cuba.	Watch speech >>
Maj. Michael D. Mori Job: Defense counsel for David Hicks, an Australian citizen currently being detained at Guantánamo. Challenged: Military commissions set up by the Pentagon, calling them "kangaroo courts." He describes himself as apolitical and says his commitment to justice comes from his service in the Marine Corps and his legal training.	Watch speech >>
Lt. Col. Sharon A. Shaffer Job: Former Deputy Chief Defense Counsel, represented a Sudanese detainee, Ibrahim Ahmed Mahmoud al Qosi, who is being held at Guantánamo. Challenged: Designation of her client as an enemy combatant and the fairness of the military commissions. She has called the process "a travesty of justice."	Watch speech >>
Lt. Commander Philip Sundel Job: Former defense counsel in the Office of the Chief Defense Counsel, represented Ali Hamza Ahmed Sulayman al Bahlul of Yemen. Challenged: Publicly complained that the tribunal process lacked the necessary checks and balances to be fair.	Watch speech >>
Lieutenant Commander Charles D. Swift Job: Defense counsel in the Department of Defense, represents Salim Ahmed Hamdan, who is facing trial by military commission. Challenged: Filed suit against the Secretary of Defense challenging the lawfulness of the military commissions.	Watch speech >>