Gitmo court opening not glitch-free

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba, May 8 (UPI) -- Audio and video glitches marred the debut of the U.S. Defense Department's $12 million war court complex at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, the U.S. military said.

The first hearing at the windowless, razor-wired, eavesdropping-proof complex involved arraignment of an alleged al-Qaida propagandist, The Miami Herald reported Thursday.

Besides hit-and-miss audio and freezing video, the Expeditionary Legal Complex was hit by a power outage, setting off alarms and sending guards to surround the defendant.

''The system was thoroughly tested before today (Wednesday),'' said Air Force Capt. Andre Kok, a Pentagon spokesman.

Defendant Ali Hamza al Bahlul said he was proud to serve al-Qaida and Osama bin Laden, adding only Allah could judge him, the Herald said.

Prosecutors allege Bahlul was bin Laden's "personal secretary" and body guard, as well as make a propaganda video about the October 2000 bombing of the USS Cole off the coast of Yemen in which 17 sailors died.

Bahlul is accused of three war crimes, including conspiracy and providing support for terror and could be sentenced to life in prison.