Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and Show Trials
Glenn Greenwald points out some inconsistencies in the government’s stance, which is certainly interesting, but I think the more important critique comes from Arthur Silber. He highlights the key point, which is this:
Other Justice Department officials have said that even if Mr. Mohammed is acquitted, the Obama administration will keep him locked up forever as a “combatant” under the laws of war.
—Charlie Savage. “Holder Defends Decision to Use U.S. Court for 9/11 Trial”. The New York Times, 18 November 2009.
So even if he’s found not guilty, he stays in jail “forever”. If that doesn’t make it a show trial, I don’t know what does.