Guantanamo official says young Canadian’s trial on hold for 30 days due to attorney’s illness

Gitmo trial delayed due to attorney’s illness

GUANTANAMO BAY NAVAL BASE, Cuba — A defense official at Guantanamo Bay says the war-crimes trial of Canadian Omar Khadr will be delayed at least 30 days due to an attorney’s illness.

Pentagon-appointed attorney Jon Jackson is to be airlifted to the United States for treatment after the army lieutenant colonel collapsed in the courtroom on the day of opening arguments.

Deputy Chief Defense Counsel Bryan Broyles said Friday that the trial at this U.S. Navy base in Cuba will be on hold while Jackson is treated for complications from recent gall bladder surgery. He said he expects the same jury to pick up the case later.

Khadr is accused of killing a U.S. soldier in Afghanistan.