Congressional oversight is not designed, "as some have mistakenly described it, to protect terrorists," Mr. Leahy said.

Members of the former court are generally seen as having protected right-wing political terrorists and the powerful.

It was also, he said, a way to put psychological pressure on the Taliban and other regimes around the world that protect terrorists.

Other top aides will likely also be indicted for human-rights violations and protecting terrorists.

I am reminded of some republican hack asserting that the Geneva Convention only protects terrorists.

Against anybody they feel is hiding, protecting terrorists.

Al-Shahab is a large terrorist group operating in Somalia and has been know to protect international terrorists, including those with connections to al Qaeda.

Mike Thomson asks if Britain's part in Zimbabwean peace meant protecting terrorists.

Because technology has changed but the law has not, this statute - meant to protect against domestic abuses - instead protects potential foreign terrorists.

"I refuse to allow human rights to become a slogan to protect terrorists," the President told reporters.