United Nations special rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers Param Cumaraswamy has expressed alarm over the United States government's intention to put six foreign al-Qaeda suspects on trial in a military court.

Param said that he had sent an urgent appeal to President George W Bush stating his concerns over a number of issues in such military trials soon after an order was issued authorising the tribunals in November 2001.

Bush signed the order in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks in the US which killed more than 3,000 people.

Among the issues raised by Param in the urgent appeal were concerns over fair trial procedures which may not be applied before the military courts; the selection and composition of those who sit in such courts, and the lack of appeal procedures which violate fundamental principles of judicial independence.

"To date, the US Government has not responded to that urgent appeal," lamented Param.

Although no details were given on their whereabouts, the six to face trial were believed to be among some 600 detained without charges or trials in the US military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

All six are believed to be suspected members of al-Qaeda or "otherwise involved in terrorism directed against the United States".

US government officials said that some of the six may have attended terrorist training camps and some were involved in raising money and recruiting for terrorist groups.

Under Bush's order creating the military tribunals, only people who are not US citizens may be subject to such trials.

Death penalty

According to BBC, two of the men are the Britons Moazzam Begg and Feroz Abbasi, while another is believed to be Australian David Hicks.

The British and Australian governments, both close US allies, have pressed for their citizens to be given a fair hearing in such military courts.

However, Param lambasted the US government for ignoring resolutions passed by the UN.

"In proceeding to apply these drastic measures to counter terrorism, the US government is seen defying UN resolutions...," said Param.

"These resolutions reiterate and affirm that states must ensure that any measure taken to combat terrorism must be in accordance with international law including international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law."

The UN envoy said that the action of the US government is a direct threat not only to international principles of human rights but also to the rule of law, which is the very foundation of a democratic state.

Unlike civilian courts, the proceedings of military tribunals can be kept secret.

Pentagon officials also raised the possibility that the military might continue to hold the suspects even if they are acquitted by such tribunals.

They have also refused to identify the six individuals, saying no charges have yet been brought against them and that their identities may never be announced.

Charges set out in the trials could bring the death penalty.