Guantanamo hearings have been plagued by interpreter errors that have undermined courtroom fairness. The military claims they work hard to provide competent interpreters and translators for courtroom testimony, however, attorneys have complained of the manner in which such interpreters speak and abnormal pacing.

Guantanamo interpreters earn close to $150,000 a year, plus benefits if they have security clearance. Nevertheless, it was determined that one interpreter had no prior experience in simultaneous court translation and had formerly been employed as a teacher. Another interpreter was removed from the courtroom by the judge because in one court proceeding at Guantanamo when an interpreter translated the words "Osama bin Laden's driver" as "Osama bin Laden's lawyer."

Those concerned about justice are calling for stricter qualifications and certifications for Guantanamo interpreters to ensure they communicate important information well and are able to sound natural in the target language.

27 October 2008