November 24, 2009
Diverse Voices Call for Transparency and Accountability on Torture
Coalition of 25 Organizations Ask President to Stop
Defense Department from Hiding Evidence of its own Misconduct
Contact:
Amy E. Ferrer, Associate Director
Bill of Rights Defense Committee
media@bordc.org
(413) 582-0110
Today, a coalition of 25 national and regional organizations representing a diverse array of interests wrote to President Barack Obama, calling on him to end continuing secrecy surrounding evidence of torture. Seeking the transparency repeatedly promised by the President, and the accountability for potential crimes required by international law, the coalition urged the administration to reconsider its refusal to disclose evidence of torture.
Specifically, the coalition’s letter requests that President Obama direct the Department of Defense to comply with court orders mandating disclosure of photos documenting detainee abuse, rather than exercise an authority recently granted by Congress to keep them secret. It also “explain[s] why transparency and robust accountability are a strategic national security imperative, and…expose[s] the self-interest of voices counseling against accountability.”
Organizations endorsing the letter represent a wide range of interests, including those of civil liberties supporters, marginalized communities, the peace and justice movement, religious and interfaith communities, medical professionals, and more. Initiated by the Bill of Rights Defense Committee (BORDC), the coalition also includes the Alliance for Justice, American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, Coalition for an Ethical Psychology, Code Pink: Women for Peace, Progressive Christians Uniting, Veterans for Peace, and Witness Against Torture. The letter reads, in part:
However uncomfortable it may seem, you must allow the Department of Justice to deal openly with our nation’s crimes and deter their recurrence, and prevent the Department of Defense from suppressing evidence of its own misconduct. Our safety as a nation, as well as the legitimacy of our system of justice, the integrity of our intelligence services, and the strength of our international alliances all depend on your willingness to restore the rule of law by ensuring its equal application to all.
According to Shahid Buttar, executive director of BORDC, “Torture is not only illegal, immoral and wrong, but also undermined U.S. national security, poisoned our relationships with foreign allies and supporters, and eroded the rule of law here at home. Restoring the law requires nothing more than simply enforcing it fairly, bringing to justice all former officials—including senior policymakers—who were complicit in U.S. human rights abuses.”
Formed in 2001, the Bill of Rights Defense Committee is a national organization defending constitutional rights and civil liberties violated by “war on terror” policies. BORDC’s mission is to promote, organize, and support a diverse, effective, national grassroots movement to restore and protect civil rights and liberties guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. For more information, please visit http://www.bordc.org or call (413) 582-0110.
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