Air Force Col. Vance Spath, the judge in the USS Cole case, has abated proceedings and Army Col. James L. Pohl, the judge in charge of the September 11th terrorist hearings canceled July’s hearing in a dispute about transport to court proceedings, reports Carol Rosenberg of the Miami Herald.
In the past, judges used a Coast Guard security unit vehicle to take them across Guantanamo Bay, keeping them away from victims’ family members, attorneys and reporters. This was recently changed, leaving judges unable to practice the self sequestration they feel is necessary for impartiality.
Both cases also share a courtroom, adding to the difficulties of proceedings.
