Thursday, 29 June 2006, 16,58 GMT 17,58UK


US Guantanamo tribunals 'illegal'

Many Guantanamo detainees have been held for years

The US Supreme Court has ruled that the Bush administration does not have the authority to try terrorism suspects by military tribunal.

Justices upheld the challenge by Osama Bin Laden's ex-driver to his trial at Guantanamo, saying the proceedings violated Geneva Conventions.

The ruling is seen as a major blow to President George W Bush - but it does not order the closure of Guantanamo.

Mr Bush said he would respect it but also protect Americans from "killers".

The Cuba-based facility currently holds about 460 inmates, mostly without charge, whom the US suspects of links to al-Qaeda or the Taleban.

link su http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/5129904.stm