Prisoners held by U.S. in Afghanistan to get help with cases

[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/POLITICS/09/14/afghanistan.detainees/art.bagram.afp.gi.jpg]

Barbara Starr and Adam Levine
CNN

The Obama administration is in the process of establishing new procedures that could allow prisoners to challenge their detentions at a U.S. facility in Afghanistan, according to Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman.

For the first time at the Bagram Air Base detention facility, detainees will be given representatives who will help them prepare their cases.

Under the new policy, which was decided in July, a first review of a detainee's status will come within 60 days of detention, Whitman explained. They will have a military person appointed as a "personal representative" who can shepherd them through the process and help gather witness statements, although it's not at all clear how that would happen.

Those already in detention will be given a personal representative to assist them in front of a review board for their appearances every six months.

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