Author: Megan M. Alvarez

Attorney and Professor

9-11Hearing of 16 June 2014–My Impressions–By Megan Alvarez

Initial Impressions

Today I observed hearings in the 9/11 case of KSM and 4 other defendants. Before I go into detail about the day, I want to mention my overall impression, which is one of shock and dismay. Given the arguments today, I can only say that I feel like this whole process seems like a sham, like the government is putting the defendants through the process to give the impression that they are being given a just trial. However, there is far too much happening behind the scenes that indicates that there are serious issues regarding the government’s behavior throughout the proceedings and in the handling of these defendants. It was shocking and disappointing. The victims’ families, this country, and the defendants deserve justice. I’m unsure whether this process is providing (more…)

Hearing Motions 16 – 17 June–By Megan Alvarez

After receiving the documents corresponding to the hearings for the week of June 15th, I was anxious to review them. I sat down this morning to look over them, and now, I am ready and excited about next week.

The hearing next week is about FBI contact with a Defense Security Officer (DSO officer) and whether it creates a conflict of interest for defense counsel. Regardless of how the judge decides to proceed in this matter, it is concerning to me that the government seems to be uninterested in the way its actions are perceived or the effects they may cause. This contact could lead (more…)

My Upcoming Ft. Meade Observation – Week of 15 June 2014 – By Megan Alvarez

Introduction

As this is my first post, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Megan Alvarez, a 2009 graduate of the IU McKinney law school. I am now an immigration attorney and program director of the Paralegal Studies program at Ivy Tech Community College in Evansville. I was very fortunate to take part in many opportunities that were offered through the Program in International Human Rights Law during my time in school.

I am now honored to be a part of this project. I will be traveling to Ft. Meade to observe hearings during the week of June 15.

Specifically, I will be observing hearings in the cases against Khalid Shaikh Mohammed (KSM) and Abd al Hadi. KSM is the alleged mastermind of the 9/11 attacks. Abd al Hadi is an alleged senior member of al-Qaeda, who (more…)