Yesterday the US Supreme Court ruled that suspected terrorists being held at Guantanamo Bay have the right to challenge their detention -- through petitions of habeas corpus -- in federal courts.
From Politico, we learn that Senator Lindsey Graham has a problem with that:
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) vowed Thursday to do everything in his power to overturn the Supreme Court’s decision on Guantanamo Bay detainees, saying that, “if necessary,” he would push for a constitutional amendment to modify the decision.
A former military prosecutor, Graham blasted the decision as “irresponsible and outrageous,” echoing the sentiments of many congressional Republicans and President Bush.
Coincidentally, a similar issue is being argued in Parliament: Should the police be allowed to hold suspected terrorists for 42 days without charge, instead of 28 days as provided by current law?
Thanks to Steve Clemons at The Washington Note for pointing me to this video of the issue being debated by Gordon Brown and David Cameron. It's a little over 8 minutes long, but if you've got the time, I highly recommend it. It's the Brits at their best.
If you don't have the time, then allow me to share with you the coup de grace. David Cameron, the Conservative Party leader, argues:
Is there not a danger that as well as being unnecessary, it will be counter-productive? When former Attorneys-General and soldiers who served against the IRA in Northern Ireland are all saying that this sort of measure could help the terrorists rather than hurt them, are we not taking a bad step? Is it not clear that the terrorists want to destroy our freedom, and that when we trash our liberties we do their work for them?
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