Word: kohlman
(lookup in dictionary)
(lookup stats)
Dates: during 2000-2009
Sort By: most recent first
(reverse)
...Thursday's opening round suggested, however, that the case will pivot on two factors: the rulings and conduct of Judge Ralph Kohlman, the Marine colonel presiding over the trial; and the wily intentions of Mohammed, who seems to be guiding his fellow defendants and setting defense strategy...
...Judge Kohlman must soon rule, for example, on whether Guantanamo's top legal adviser, Brig. Gen. Hartmann, has unduly interfered in the case. If the ruling should go against Hartmann, many observers believe he could be removed or forced to resign. And that might be important, because Hartmann has recently pushed hard to conduct trials as quickly as possible, although that haste was not evident during years when the accused were held in prison after their capture...
...Mohammed and the others accused could also decide to remain in their cells and avoid future court appearances, an option Judge Kohlman has said they are free to exercise. Since all five have opted to legally represent themselves, if they also decided not to show up, that could speed the proceedings along by cutting down on legal maneuvers or the number of objections. A smoother, faster trial might well please the Bush Administration and perhaps even the al-Qaeda prisoners themselves, who are seeking to delegitimize the U.S. legal process and, if Mohammed is to be taken at his word...
...Kohlman also provisionally rejected a request from Mohammed that the defendants be allowed to discuss their defense among themselves outside the formal court proceeding. He also tried to cut off talking between the defendants, admonishing them at one point, "Will the accused please pay attention to what I'm saying and stop having side conversation...
...charged "is waging a crusade in Afghanistan and Iraq and our holy lands." Chanting verses from the Koran in a singsong voice, he repeatedly referred to his interrogation and five years in U.S. custody, telling the judge, "All of this has been taken under torture ... and you, Mr. Kohlman, know that very well...