U.S. judge warns against delay for Guantanamo cases

Hogan said delays would "reflect badly" on the government and would cause him to become concerned and suspicious. Lawyers for the prisoners have complained the government is not moving as fast as it could.

One lawyer for the prisoners, Shayana Kadidal, told the hearing "speed and fairness" were the most important considerations for the court.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Gregory Katsas asked the judge to allow the government to file new evidence to justify holding the detainees, a process expected to take months.

The initial evidence, filed in 2004, was based on the findings of military tribunals that determined the prisoners were "enemy combatants."

Hogan expressed concern about allowing the government to file amended information without showing it was necessary.

The judge also said he planned to issue an order by the end of the week setting out various schedules.

(Editing by Alan Elsner)