(CNN) -- The decision to give Osama bin Laden's son-in-law civilian, not military, treatment has reignited passionate differences of opinion on which type of justice is appropriate for someone who wages war on the United States. Several Republicans insist that Sulaiman Abu Ghaith, the bin Laden relative who was also al Qaeda's chief spokesman, should be sent to the detention compound in the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba. Abu Ghaith pleaded not guilty Friday in U.S. District Court to charges of conspiring to kill Americans as part of terrorism. Civilian prosecution "makes little sense, and reveals, yet again, a stubborn refusal to avoid holding additional terrorists at the secure facility at Guantanamo Bay despite the circumstances," Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said of the administration's decision.
@highlight
NEW: "We're able to do both," Obama spokesman says of prosecution, intelligence
@highlight
Sulaiman Abu Ghaith should face military prosecution, several Republicans say
@highlight
He should be interrogated at Guantanamo for intelligence on al Qaeda, they say
@highlight
But the Justice Department says federal court protects national security
"If you are that close to @placeholder," he said, "we want to develop all the information that person has."