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February 29, 2012

Obama Issues Waivers for Indefinite Detention Law 
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President Obama has issued a series of waivers that would exempt him
from strict adherence to the National Defense Authorization Act, the
controversial measure he signed into law that radically expands
indefinite detention. The law mandates the military detention of
foreigners deemed to be terrorist suspects. But on Tuesday, Obama
narrowed the requirements for military detention by excluding any
foreigner whose detention would hinder counter-terrorism abroad or limit
the prisoner's cooperation. The waivers would also cover lawful
permanent residents arrested in the United States, as well as anyone
arrested by state police instead of federal officers. But despite the
waivers, the U.S. government would still be able to transfer foreign
suspects to military custody, provided it receive clearance from a
six-member national security team.



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