Rep. Schiff – Al-Libi Should be Tried in Civilian Court
Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), a senior Member of the Intelligence Committee, released the following statement in response to the capture of Al Qaeda terrorist Abu Anas al-Libi, and the need to try him in civilian court:
“The weekend capture of Abu Anas al-Libi was a blow to the remnants of core al Qaeda, and a potential intelligence gold mine. I applaud the military and civilian personnel who executed the mission, and the President for making this gutsy call.
“Media reports indicate that the Administration plans to send al-Libi to New York for prosecution after he has been thoroughly questioned by intelligence officials. I support a criminal prosecution and hope that the Administration will resist any call to bring al-Libi before a military commission. The Justice Department has demonstrated a far greater ability to successfully prosecute terrorists in federal courts than the military commissions have thus far been able to show. Nothing must be done to compromise the public safety, the ability of Justice Department prosecutors to seek justice for the victims of the East Africa bombings, or our constitutional principles."