Politics / President Obama Obama to Restart Gitmo Tribunals But this time, suspects will have more rights, legal protections By Newser Editors and Wire Services Posted May 15, 2009 6:21 AM CDT Copied In this photo, reviewed by the US military, Guantanamo detainees pray before dawn near a fence of razor-wire, inside Camp 4 detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Thursday, May 14, 2009. (Brennan Linsley) See 2 more photos President Obama will restart military tribunals for a small number of Guantanamo detainees—reviving a trial system he once said the Bush administration had abused—but with new legal protections for terror suspects, officials said. The trials will remain frozen for another 4 months as the administration adjusts the legal system that is expected to try fewer than 20 of the 241 Guantanamo detainees; 13 are already in the tribunal system. Two senior administration officials said changes include: Restrictions on hearsay evidence that can be used in court against the detainees. A ban on all evidence obtained through cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment. This would include statements given from detainees who were subjected to waterboarding. Giving detainees greater leeway in choosing their own military counsel. Protecting detainees who refuse to testify from legal sanctions or other court prejudices. (More President Obama stories.) See 2 more photos Report an error