Washington, D.C.
Law firms that represent prisoners held in Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, are aiding terrorism, and their corportate clients should reconsider doing business with them, a senior Pentagon official said last week. Charles “Cully” Stimson, deputy assistant defense secretary for detainee affairs, said during a radio interview that it was “shocking” that top law firms were volunteering to represent suspected terrorists. “CEOs are going to make those law firms choose between representing terrorists or representing reputable firms,” Stimson said. Lawyers’ groups denounced Stimson’s remarks, arguing that the right to a vigorous defense is a cornerstone of the U.S. justice system. After a Pentagon spokesman said Stimson’s comments did not reflect the views of the Defense Department, he apologized, saying that both sides in any legal dispute deserve “competent legal counsel.”
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
Saudi Arabia could become an AI focal pointUnder the Radar A state-backed AI project hopes to rival China and the United States
-
What you need to know about last-minute travelThe Week Recommends You can book an awesome trip with a moment’s notice
-
Codeword: October 29, 2025The Week's daily codeword puzzle
