Supreme Court Allows Padilla Move to Civilian Jail

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled yesterday that one-time “dirty bomb” suspect Jose Padilla can be moved from military custody to a civilian jail in Miami, the Los Angeles Times reported (see GSN, Dec. 22).

“The government’s application presented to the chief justice and referred by him to the court is granted,” the court said, overruling a decision by the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals barring Padilla’s transfer.

Padilla spent 3 1/2 years in military custody without facing charges as an “enemy combatant.”

The Supreme Court decision opens the door for Padilla to be tried on charges of supplying funding and recruits for terrorism, according to the Times. No charges have been filed related to his once-alleged intent to detonate a radiological weapon in the United States.

Justices are still scheduled on Jan. 13 to hear an appeal of the 4th Circuit decision upholding the government’s right to hold Padilla as an enemy combatant. However, yesterday’s decision may lead the court to dismiss the appeal (David Savage, Los Angeles Times, Jan. 5).

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