A federal appeals panel has ruled that only military tribunals can review court-martial convictions, a decision that undermines a former Afghan war prisoner’s attempt to challenge his sentence. The ruling means the prisoner’s case will remain within the military justice system, limiting civilian oversight and the possibility of a broader appellate review. The decision follows years of legal battles over the fairness of the conviction and the conditions under which the prisoner was held. Critics argue the ruling could set a precedent that restricts civilian courts’ ability to scrutinize military justice decisions.
Appeals panel says only military tribunals may assess court-martial convictions in blow to former Afghan war prisoner.
