Court Says Guantanamo Inmates Cannot Contest Detention In U.S.

U.S. guards and a prisoner at Guantanamo (file photo) (epa) February 20, 2007 -- A U.S. Appeals Court has ruled that Guantanamo Bay detainees may not challenge their detention in U.S. courts.

The ruling today upheld a key provision of a law at the center of President George W. Bush's campaign against terrorism.

The court said civilian judges do not have the authority to consider whether the U.S. military is holding foreigners illegally at the Guantanamo naval base in Cuba.

The case will most likely be appealed to the Supreme Court.

The ruling upheld legislation signed by Bush last year that authorizes military tribunals and prohibits detainees from challenging their detention in U.S. courts.

(AP, dpa)