The suspect in the 2000 bombing on the USS Cole that killed 17 and wounded 37 is set for a four-day pretrial hearing before a war crimes tribunal in Cuba.
Attorneys for Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri are expected to open with a request for postponement, according to The Associated Press. Defense attorneys are contesting evidence obtained from government officials who overheard conversations between the Guantanamo Bay prisoner and his lawyers, and they want more time to prepare a formal challenge for court, the AP reported.
The suspect has been held by the United States since 2006. Defense attorneys also argue that the government has no right to restrain him with belly chains at the Gitmo prison.
The Navy destroyer was docked in Yemen when it came under attack, roughly 13 years ago. Monday’s hearing is expected to last four days.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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