Gitmo Overseer Investigated, Accused of Bullying Prosecutors
The Pentagon official who oversees the war crimes tribunals at Guantanamo Bay is facing two investigations into allegations he bullied prosecutors and retaliated against at least two military officials.
The Los Angeles Times reports on the probes into conduct by Brig. Gen. Thomas Hartmann. One of the investigations is moving forward after a preliminary inquiry that found sufficient grounds to continue, the story says.
That internal Air Force probe is considering allegations that Hartmann bullied prosecutors into taking cases to trial that weren’t ready, pressured prosecutors to use coerced evidence, and pressured them to prosecute at least one individual on unwarranted charges, according to the Los Angeles Times account. The Air Force is also investigating whether Hartmann made misleading statements in Guantanamo proceedings that downplayed his role in the prosecutions.
The other investigation by the Department of Defense’s inspector general considers whether Hartmann retaliated against at least two military officials in the office that oversees prosecutors and defense lawyers at Guantanamo, the story says.
Hartmann had a dual role supervising prosecutors and providing legal advice to the military commissions administrator, leading to criticism that he had a conflict of interest. He moved to a new position last month as director of operations, planning and development for military commissions. He has denied any wrongdoing in the past.
At least four prosecutors have quit the tribunals, citing improper political meddling.
