FACTBOX: Reaction to ruling on military prisoners

(Reuters) - The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that Guantanamo Bay prisoners have the right to go before U.S. federal judges to challenge their years-long detention -- a stinging setback for the Bush administration.

Here is some reaction to the ruling:

U.S. PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH

"We'll abide by the court's decision. That doesn't mean I have to agree with it.

"It's a deeply divided court, and I strongly agree with those who dissented, and their dissent was based upon their serious concerns about U.S. national security."

"We'll study this opinion, and we'll do so ... to determine whether or not additional legislation might be appropriate, so that we can safely say, or truly say to the American people: 'We're doing everything we can to protect you.'"

REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE JOHN MCCAIN

"I haven't had a chance to read the opinion yet. It obviously concerns me. These are unlawful combatants. They are not American citizens."

"But it is a decision the Supreme Court has made. Now we need to move forward."

"I always favored closing the Guantanamo Bay and I still think that we ought to do that."

DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE BARACK OBAMA

"The court's decision is a rejection of the Bush administration's attempt to create a legal black hole at Guantanamo -- yet another failed policy supported by John McCain.

"This is an important step toward reestablishing our credibility as a nation committed to the rule of law, and rejecting a false choice between fighting terrorism and respecting habeas corpus."

"Bringing these detainees to justice is too important for us to rely on a flawed system that has failed to convict anyone of a terrorist act since the 9-11 attacks, and compromised our core values."

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL'S U.S. DOMESTIC HUMAN RIGHTS PROGRAM

DIRECTOR DALIA HASHAD

"The Supreme Court did the right thing. Everyone has the right to challenge why they're being thrown in prison, to hear the charges against them and to answer to that."

"It's a real shame that in the 21st Century, we've taken such a step backward in the Bush administration, to say we have the right to throw someone in jail and throw away the key -- but no longer."

"It's still an incredible tragedy that we've had hundreds of people detained without charge under horrible conditions, where we know some of them have been subjected to torture and all of them have been mistreated."

AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION LEGAL DIRECTOR STEVEN

SHAPIRO

"Today's decision forcefully repudiates the essential lawlessness of the Bush administration's failed Guantanamo policy.

"It should also mark the beginning of the end of the military commission process, which permits the use of coerced evidence and hearsay and thus cannot survive the constitutional scrutiny that today's decision demands. It is time to close Guantanamo, end indefinite detention without charge and restore the rule of law."

AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT WILLIAM NEUKOM

"Today's ruling reaffirms the vision of our founders, and helps restore the credibility of the United States as a leading advocate and model for the rule of law across the globe.

"It will solidify our relations with other nations, and will protect Americans abroad. The American Bar Association cares deeply about protecting our national security, while preserving the liberties enshrined in our Constitution. Habeas corpus is the cornerstone of the rule of law in the United States.

"Adhering to this fundamental tenet of our legal system will simply require that we provide a fair process for determining which detainees should continue to be detained. U.S. courts have risen to the challenge of hearing cases involving national security for more than 200 years. They can and will continue to do so."

UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS LOUISE

ARBOUR

"The Supreme Court has sent a vitally important message that the protections afforded by fundamental human rights guarantees extend to these individuals and that effective remedies must be available to them."

"After up to six years in detention in Guantanamo Bay without satisfactory review of the reasons for their detention, these detainees have the right to prompt review in the civilian courts."

"I welcome the court's recognition that security and liberty are not trade-offs, but can be reconciled through the framework of the laws and that it is the courts that apply the law."

(Writing by Deborah Charles in Washington, additional reporting by Jane Sutton, Jeff Mason and Louis Charbonneau; Editing by David Wiessler)