Mon, Nov 17, 2008 - Page 7 News List

Obama mum on fate of Guantanamo detainees

OPPOSITIONSome rights activists oppose replacing the prison for terror suspects in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, with another high-security prison within the country’s borders

AFP , WASHINGTON

While so far only some 20 prisoners have been formally charged, including five men accused of helping organize the Sept. 11 attacks, the Pentagon envisages eventually trying some 60 to 80 for “war crimes” under the special tribunals.

So far Obama’s team is keeping its views on the special tribunals secret, though they denied rumors that they would create new “national security” tribunals.

Meanwhile, among a slew of executive orders Obama was said to be drafting, observers believed one may lift a ban on US funding for overseas family planning groups that dare mention abortion.

“I think there’s a very good likelihood that he will lift the ‘global gag rule,’” said Steven Mosher, head of the pro-life, non-profit Population Research Institute.

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