The judge presiding over a military tribunal at Guantanamo against a man allegedly a driver of Osama Bin Laden, threw out statements which had been made by the defendant under "highly coercive" conditions.  The judge also decided at the trial that he will not allow evidence gathered under such circumstances unless those who gathered such evidence were present for cunter interrogation.

 This is an important victory for human rights advocates that have indicated that some of the conditions under which suspects of terrorism have been interrogated in Guantanamo and elsewhere constitute torture.  The United States has always been a beacon of human rights and the defender of individual liberties.  Regretfully since the horrible events of September 11, 2001, certain measures have been taken by the government against those believed to have caused such great damage.  Nonetheless it is important that we continue defending those values that the nation stands for, respect for individual rights and freedom, and protection of democratic values.  Torture is never an acceptable option no matter what the justification.