WASHINGTON – Representative Edward J. Markey (D-MA) released the following statement today in reaction to the Supreme Court's 5-4 decision handed down this morning confirming that detainees held at Guantanamo Bay have the right to challenge their detention in U.S. civilian courts.
 

"This ruling is a stunning repudiation of the hubris and legal contortions of the Bush administration.  Today, the Supreme Court has reaffirmed what we are all taught from grammar school on: that the United States is a nation of laws and that our Constitution and Bill of Rights must be respected," said Rep. Markey.

 

"Habeas Corpus, the right of those accused of a crime to have their day in court, is fundamental to our democracy. The Bush administration lost sight of this fundamental right long ago, but now in the waning days of its term, the Supreme Court has made clear that the Constitution rules and the administration's attempts to undermine basic Constitutional protections will be defeated."

 

The 2006 Military Commission Act, which Rep. Markey opposed, stripped the federal courts of jurisdiction to hear habeas corpus petitions filed by Guantanamo detainees challenging the bases for their confinement. The law was upheld by the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in February 2007 and overturned today by the Supreme Court.

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 12, 2008

CONTACT: Jessica Schafer, 202.225.2836