Fit to be Tied

According to Rodolfo Buigas, supervisory forensic psychologist at the federal detention center in Miami, Jose Padilla is mentally able to stand trial ("Prison psychologist says Padilla fit to be Tried.") This decision contradicts the testimony of two defense experts.

The article states that if convicted of charges of being part of a North American terror cell which provided support to Islamic extremists, Padilla faces up to life in prison. The salient point is, even if found innocent, he could still spend life behind bars if GWB declares him an enemy combatant. Who is to protect him? Neither the Congress nor the courts seem so inclined.

The Padilla case is a pathetic example of U.S. federal justice.