Gov't told to fix mold, rat problems at Guantanamo offices to avoid delay in terror trial

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – It appears a mold and rat problem at Guantanamo won't delay planned legal proceedings in a terrorism case.

A military judge has ordered the government to ensure offices used by defense lawyers on the U.S. base in Cuba are free of unhealthy mold and rat droppings. If not, the government must find suitable office space elsewhere.

Lawyers for an alleged terrorist have said the office air quality is so bad it sickened members of the defense team. Navy health officials agree.

The defense had sought a delay in pretrial hearings set to start Oct. 15 for five men accused of planning and aiding the Sept. 11 attack on the U.S. The government was given until Oct. 10 to solve the problem.

Army Col. James Pohl issued the ruling Friday.