Salim Hamdan Trial
The trial of Salim Hamdan began on July 21, 2008. Hamdan became first detainee of Guantanamo Bay prison camp to be brought to trial.1 Hamdan entered a not guilty plea. If convicted, he faces a sentence of life in prison.2
Fast Facts
- Trial began: July 21, 2008
- Court: Military tribunal in Guantanamo Bay2
- Charged with conspiracy and supporting terrorism1
- Faces a maximum sentence of life in prison1
- Salim Hamdan was captured in November 2001
- Has admitted to working as a driver and bodyguard for Osama Bin Laden3
- Hamdan is originally from Yemen1
Hamdan v. Rumsfeld
In 2006, Salim Hamdan brought a suit to the U.S. Supreme Court against the military commissions established by the Bush Administration. The court ruled that the commissions were violations of federal and international law.4
As a result, the Bush Administration was prohibited from trying Hamdan in a commission unless the guidelines for the commission's operation where amended to conform to the Geneva Conventions and the Uniform Code of Military Justice.5 This ruling laid the groundwork for the June 2008 decision allowing Guantanamo Bay detainees to bring their cases to civilian courts.6
Categories
