MIAMI, Feb. 16 -- Officials at the Navy brig where terrorism suspect Jose Padilla was held for 3 1/2 years as an enemy combatant were ordered Friday to testify at a hearing to determine his psychological competency, a ruling that allows the defense to press its claims that sensory deprivation and torture in confinement have rendered the alleged al-Qaeda operative unfit to stand trial.
The ruling marks one of the few times since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks that officials responsible for the jail conditions and interrogations of terrorism suspects have been called to testify, and it is the first time in the Padilla case.
Federal prosecutors objected strenuously to allowing the testimony, arguing that the focus of the competency hearing should be on Padilla's psychological state, which they believe is adequate, and not necessarily on what past events might have caused post-traumatic stress disorder, as defense attorneys allege.
During a hearing Friday, U.S. District Judge Marcia Cooke grew tired of the government's objections. "The only thing that comes to mind is: 'Methinks the lady doth protest too much,' " she told prosecutors.
Details here from the Washington Post.