New U.S. terror law violates international treaties: UN expert

The new anti-terrorism law approved by the United States earlier this month contains provisions that violate international treaties and contradict the principles of fair trial, a key UN human rights expert said Friday.

The Military Commissions Act signed into law on Oct. 17 by President George W. Bush "contains a number of provisions that are incompatible with the international obligations of the United States under human rights law and humanitarian law," said Martin Scheinin, the UN's expert on protecting human rights in combating terrorism, in a statement.

A number of provisions of the law appear to contradict the universal and fundamental principles of fair trial standards and due process enshrined in the Geneva Conventions, said Scheinin, a legal expert from Finland.

He said one of the most serious aspects of the legislation "is the power of the president to declare anyone, including U.S. citizens, without charge as an "unlawful enemy combatant" - a term unknown in international humanitarian law."

As a result, he said, those detainees are subject to the jurisdiction of a military commission composed of commissioned military officers - rather than a court of law.

Several national and international non-governmental organizations have been critical of many aspects of the legislation, Scheinin noted.

"I believe it is important in my capacity to publicly express my concerns on this law as the United States has taken a lead role on countering terrorism," he said.

The expert added that there was an added concern about the law, given the fact that some governments "may view certain aspects of this legislation as an example that could be followed in respect of their national counter-terrorism legislation."

Scheinin also indicated that in July he formally requested a visit to the U.S. in order to assess counter terrorism measures taken in the country and how they were related to human rights.

He urged the U.S. government to extend to him an invitation in the very near future.

Source: Xinhua