A Yuletide Apocalypse

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL USA
PRESS RELEASE

Thursday, September 28, 2006

Amnesty International Profoundly Disappointed By Congress’ Passage of Detainee Legislation
Bill Provides More Confusion — Not Clarity

(Washington, DC) — Amnesty International is deeply concerned that today’s passage of legislation by the U.S. Senate calls into question the United States’ commitment to fundamental principles of justice and fair trials. The “Military Commissions Act,” first approved by the House on Wednesday, fails to provide clarification of basic standards for treatment of persons in detention. Instead the bill adds more confusion where illumination was sought.

“Many have looked to the United States, as the world’s sole superpower, to set the standard for human rights,” said Larry Cox, Amnesty International USA Executive Director. “However, today Congress has sent the wrong message by refusing to affirm basic, universal standards recognized under human rights and humanitarian law. Rather than steering a clear course to uphold established standards of U.S. and international law, the bill creates new standards that appear to fall short and raise questions about the U.S. government’s commitment to American values of due process and integrity.
Continue reading ‘Amnesty International on the Detainee Legislation Passed in US Congress’