Boston Marathon Bomber an Enemy Combatant?

One of the most dramatic manhunts in US history has come to an end with many questions still unanswered. One of them is how to treat Dzhokhar Tsarnaev within the legal system. Senators John McCain (R-Ariz.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.) and Representative Peter King (R-N.Y.) issued a joint statement commending law enforcement agencies for their efforts and suggested that Tsarnaev should be housed at Guantanamo as an ‘Enemy Combatant.’ (Washington Post Article)

What does this really mean? If Tsarnaev is categorized as an enemy combatant he could ultimately be denied access to the criminal court systems in the United States. He will also not have some of the same rights afforded to a regular criminal; such as the right to be Mirandized, or the right to a speedy trial. The ultimate question in my opinion is, does one who commits such a heinous terrorist act against innocent civilians become a enemy combatant just by the simple act itself or other elements must be present; such as membership in a terrorist group? Let’s hear what the public has to say …

I look forward to reading your opinions on this important issue facing us in the legal system.

At the Law Offices of Arash Hashemi, our team of expert criminal defense lawyers is dedicated to fighting aggressively for our clients’ rights. To schedule a consultation with a lawyer at our firm, call us at (310) 448-1529 or contact us online. Located in Westside Towers in LA, our office is minutes from Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and Westwood and steps away from the Expo/Bundy Station. We have flexible hours and offer weekend appointments, and we will visit you in jail for consultation on your case.