Senator Boucher Opposes Holding Terrorist Trials In Connecticut Courts

State Senator Toni Boucher (R-26) said she is adamantly opposed to bringing accused 9/11 terrorists to trial in Connecticut’s civilian court system.

“I am appalled that there would be even one rumor of bringing any known terrorist to a civilian court in New Haven, Connecticut. These trials belong in a military court in Guantanamo Bay, no exceptions,” said Senator Boucher.

Senator Boucher said she has heard from several constituents who expressed their concern about media reports that the federal courthouse in New Haven is among the locations being considered as a potential setting for the trial of an alleged member of al-Qaida. The individual is currently being held at the U.S. base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

“Concerns about security, traffic and politics prompted the federal government to abandon plans to try these people in New York – and abandoning those plans was the right thing to do. It would be equally foolish to hold any of these trials anywhere in Connecticut, or anywhere in the United States,” said Senator Boucher.

Senator Boucher said that Connecticut has suffered enough in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and its citizens should not be subjected to the fear and anguish that bringing these trials here would cause.

“These trials belong in a military courtroom in Guantanamo Bay, not here in Connecticut where our towns and cities are not prepared to handle all that would come with holding any of them here. Many Connecticut residents lost loved ones on that horrible day. Imagine how they would feel knowing that the individuals accused of being responsible for what happened on 9/11 were being tried here, housed here. Think of the security nightmare, the traffic mess, the loss of business, the disruption in everyone’s lives this would cause. If these trials do not belong in New York, they certainly do not belong in Connecticut or in any other state,” said Senator Boucher.

Senator Boucher said that she will continue to voice her opposition if the federal government does decide to bring any of the terrorist trials to Connecticut.

“These trials are a military matter, and should be handled by the military in a military court. Period. No exceptions,” said Senator Boucher.