Ex-Gitmo prosecutor in Chapel Hill to speak on use of torture

CHAPEL HILL (AP) — The former chief military prosecutor of suspected terrorists at Guantanamo Bay is appearing at North Carolina colleges to criticize the use of torture.

Retired Air Force Col. Morris Davis is speaking Thursday at the UNC School of Law in Chapel Hill, Duke University and Johnston Community College as a guest of the group North Carolina Stop Torture Now. Davis speaks Friday at North Carolina State University.

Davis left the military in 2007 after 25 years of service. He oversaw the prosecution of suspected terrorists at Guantanamo Bay in his last two years, and decided the system was flawed by a lack of defendant’s rights and by political interference.

Davis was fired from a job at the Library of Congress for criticizing the Obama administration in 2009 over its detainee policy.

Motel, home destroyed in Surf City fire

SURF CITY (AP) — A fire driven by strong winds has destroyed a motel and a house in Surf City.

Authorities say the fire broke out about 3 a.m. Thursday destroying Tiffany’s Motel. A house by the motel also was destroyed and another house was damaged. There was only one occupant in the hotel and no one was at home in either residence.

One person was taken to the hospital for burns on their arms and hands.