Tallahassee, FL - September 8 - Eight years after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks that killed thousands of Americans and precipitated international military operations to eradicate future threats, the United States is at a critical crossroads with regard to how it will hold and prosecute Guantanamo detainees who stand accused of terrorism-related crimes.

"Beyond Guantanamo: Prosecuting Terrorists and Protecting America," a Florida State University Center for the Advancement of Human Rights forum co-hosted by Human Rights First and the National Security Network, will examine these issues and shed light on practical solutions that strengthen national security and ensure those who have committed crimes are held accountable. The forum also will address issues relating to the feasibility of relocating Guantanamo detainees to correctional institutions in the United States.

The panel will include Maj. Gen. Paul D. Eaton, USA (Ret.), a West Point graduate who served for more than 30 years in the U.S. Army, including combat and post-combat assignments in Iraq, Bosnia and Somalia. As a major general he was assigned to Iraq as Commanding General of the Coalition Military Assistance Training Team (CMATT), where he developed, designed and began the training of the Iraqi military and security forces from 2003 to 2004. Prior to that assignment, he commanded the Army's Infantry Center and was Chief of Infantry for the Army.

Eaton will be joined by Elisa Massimino, Human Rights First's chief executive officer and one of the nation's foremost national security policy experts, and Harry K. Singletary Jr., a former Secretary of the Florida Department of Corrections. This forum is part of FSU's Human Rights & National Security in the 21st Century lecture series.

This free event is open to the public and media. Panelists do have limited availability for one-on-one interviews prior to and after the discussion. To inquire about this event or interview opportunities, please contact Brenda Bowser Soder at 202-370-3323 or bowsersoderb@humanrightsfirst.org.

WHAT: Beyond Guantanamo: An Effective Plan to Prosecute Terrorists & Protect America A Florida State University Human Rights & National Security in the 21st Century Lecture

WHO: Major General Paul D. Eaton, USA (Ret.) Elisa Massimino, Human Rights First's Chief Executive Officer Harry K. Singletary, Jr., Former Secretary of the Florida Department of Corrections

WHERE: FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF LAW - ROTUNDA 425 W. JEFFERSON ST., TALLAHASSEE Public parking is available across the street at the Tallahassee-Leon County Civic Center

WHEN:  Friday, September 11, 2009 at 12:30 p.m.