BINGHAMTON – Republican 22nd Congressional District candidate George Phillips of Binghamton has criticized the US Justice Department to conduct the trials of the alleged 9/11 terrorists in New York City.

“The suspects being charged in the 9/11 terror attacks were involved in acts of war. They don’t deserve a civilian trial,” said George Phillips of Binghamton. “Imagine if those who attacked Perl Harbor had been given civilian trials. The idea is absolutely preposterous.”

Phillips’ concern is that the trial will give the suspects “the stage and enable them to incite more violence and attacks on America with inflammatory rhetoric.” Trials in New York City “could turn into a circus-like atmosphere.”

Phillips said the suspects should be tried in military courts.

Phillips hopes to challenge incumbent Democrat Maurice Hinchey in next year’s election, a rematch of the race for the 22nd District seat last year.