British court condemns U.S. delays on data

The British High Court condemned the U.S. government’s failure to turn over intelligence documents that could support the claims of a British detainee who has argued that his confession to terrorism resulted from torture and is, therefore, worthless.

The British judges hinted in a ruling that unless the 42 documents are handed over quickly to the defense counsel for Binyam Mohammed, 30, as part of a habeas corpus proceeding in U.S. District Court, the London court might take that step itself.

“This matter must be brought to a just conclusion as soon as possible, given the delays and unexplained changes of course which have taken place on the part of the United States Government,” wrote Lord Justice Sir John Thomas and Justice Lloyd Jones, adding that they hope the matter will be resolved at a federal court hearing in Washington on Oct. 30. The Justice Department had no comment.

Meanwhile, a spokesman for the tribunals said prosecutors have filed war-crimes charges against two Kuwaiti detainees. The charges must by approved by a Pentagon legal official before a court date is set.