The Supreme Court has thrown out a ruling by a lower court over the release of photos allegedly showing detainee abuse in Iraq and Afghanistan. In ordering the New York 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals to review the ruling, the Supreme Court cited a recent change in federal law giving Defense Secretary Robert Gates the ability to withhold photos showing the abuse of detainees from the public.
The original suit was brought forward by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). The initial ruling was appealed by the administration to the Supreme Court, who has ruled in its favor.
President Obama said that release of the photos would stir anti-Americanism abroad and could further endanger US troops stationed abroad. Gates invoked his recently granted power to block release of the photos on November 13, 2009.
