Obama: Court Decision Helps Reestablish U.S. Credibility

Barack Obama applauded the 5-4 U.S. Supreme Court decision Thursday establishing that prisoners in Guantanamo Bay have the right to challenge their detention in civilian courts.

Obama attacked John McCain for supporting the “failed policy” of creating a “legal black hole” enacted by the Bush Administration.

“This is an important step toward reestablishing our credibility as a nation committed to the rule of law, and rejecting a false choice between fighting terrorism and respecting habeas corpus,” Obama said.

“The fact is, this Administration’s position is not tough on terrorism, and it undermines the very values that we are fighting to defend. Bringing these detainees to justice is too important for us to rely on a flawed system that has failed to convict anyone of a terrorist act since the 9-11 attacks, and compromised our core values.”