Posted by Jonathan Adler:
Stimson Apologizes:
http://volokh.com/archives/archive_2007_01_14-2007_01_20.shtml#1169040125
In a letter to the editor, published in today's Washington Post,
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Detainee Affairs Cully
Stimon aplogizes for his remarks last week:
During a radio interview last week, I brought up the topic of pro
bono work and habeas corpus representation of detainees in
Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Regrettably, my comments left the impression
that I question the integrity of those engaged in the zealous
defense of detainees in Guantanamo. I do not.
I believe firmly that a foundational principle of our legal system
is that the system works best when both sides are represented by
competent legal counsel. I support pro bono work, as I said in the
interview. I was a criminal defense attorney in two of my three
tours in the Navy Judge Advocate General's Corps. I zealously
represented unpopular clients -- people charged with crimes that
did not make them, or their attorneys, popular in the military. I
believe that our justice system requires vigorous representation.
I apologize for what I said and to those lawyers and law firms who
are representing clients at Guantanamo. I hope that my record of
public service makes clear that those comments do not reflect my
core beliefs.
For news coverage of the apology, see these stories from [1]Reuters
and the [2]Post.
References
1. http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070117/pl_nm/guantanamo_lawyers_apology_dc_3
2.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/16/AR2007011601442.html
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