How to Find Your Assembly Members & State Senators

You can now use the "Links" section of this blog to find out who represents you in the NJ Assembly and NJ State Senate.

Using the Map of NJ State Congressional Districts, you can click on your district and get a list of your Assembly Members and your State Senator, along with contact information.

If it is not clear which district your town is located in, you can use the "Find Your Assembly Members and State Senator by Municipality" link and select the name of your municipality. This will provide you with your district number and the names of your state representatives. It does not, however, provide full contact information.

Larry Ladutke
NJ Legislative Coordinator

Payne Onboard Resolution Against Gender-Based Violence in Guatemala!

I just heard from Congressman Donald Payne's office that he has agreed to cosponsor H.Res. 1081, which condemns the ongoing violence against women in Guatemala and calls upon the Guatemalan government to take action to protect women.

This is especially good news because H.Res. 1081 is currently before the International Relations Committee, of which Payne is a member.

Thanks to everyone who contacted him about this issue!

Update: Congressman Rush Holt Supports H.Res. 1081

I have just heard that Congressman Rush Holt (NJ-12) has agreed to cosponsor the resolution condemning the epidemic of violence against women in Guatemala (H.Res. 1081).

Amnesty is very grateful to everyone who contacted Holt's office about this issue!

Larry Ladutke,
NJ Legislative Coordinator

Support House Resolution on Violence Against Women in Guatemala!

Earlier this year, activists across the country helped secure passage of congressional resolutions calling upon the Mexican government to thoroughly investigate the hundreds of unsolved murders of women in Ciudad Juarez and Chihuahua and to punish the perpetrators.

Many U.S. citizens have not been aware, however, of the epidemic of gender-based violence in Mexico’s southern neighbor, Guatemala. OVER TWO THOUSAND Guatemalan women and girls have been abducted, raped, mutilated, and murdered since 2001. Nonetheless, there have been very few arrests—and even fewer convictions—in these cases. In fact, the rate at which women are being killed has increased during the past five years.

The good news is that Congressman Dan Burton has introduced a resolution calling on the Guatemalan government to take meaningful action to stop violence against women. Please call your representative and urge him to cosponsor H.Res.1081. Please call NOW because a vote may take place in less than two weeks. You can find out the contact information for your representative by entering your zip code at www.house.gov.

Amnesty has also set up an online action.

I will let you know if a similar resolution is introduced in the Senate.

House Parties against Torture (Outlawed documentary)

As you know, the problems of torture and “extraordinary rendition” (outsourcing torture) have been compounded by the recent “military commissions” legislation. This law allows testimony and “confessions” obtained through physical, mental and emotional abuse to be used as “evidence.” It also shields those conducting torture from prosecution.

Amnesty International has responded by launching the America I Believe In campaign to support our nation’s core values of democracy and the rule of law. As part of this campaign, activists across the country are hosting house parties featuring the Witness documentary Outlawed. This short but powerful DVD features the testimony of prisoners who were disappeared and tortured as part of the current “war on terror.”

Please sign up to host a viewing at your home! As the Legislative Coordinator for NJ, I would be happy to help out. You can reach me at LLadutke@yahoo.com.

You can also find out if someone has already scheduled a house party in your area.

Larry Ladutke
NJ Legislative Coordinator

New Online Action on Darfur!

Amnesty is calling upon the U.S. Senate to help bring the international community together in response to the Sudanese government’s decision to expel the U.N. Special Envoy for Darfur. Please send Senators Lautenberg and Menendez an online appeal.

Thanks,
Larry Ladutke
NJ Legislative Coordinator

Statement from Lynn Fredriksson, Africa Advocacy Director, AIUSA
on Sudanese Government’s Decision to Remove U.N. Special Envoy from Darfur

(New York) -- Amnesty International USA (AIUSA) condemns in the strongest terms Khartoum’s recent actions against United Nations Special Envoy Jan Pronk. Mr. Pronk must be allowed to continue to work on the dire humanitarian and human rights crisis raging in Darfur. Over the past two months, Sudanese officials have consistently obstructed implementation of the U.N. resolution that would provide some 20,000 U.N. peacekeepers, while, shockingly, the government has launched a new offensive targeting Darfuri civilians. By declaring Mr. Pronk persona non grata, Khartoum has once again demonstrated heinous dispassion toward the well being of its own citizens.

AIUSA urgently calls on the international community to employ targeted sanctions against those who have committed violations against civilians and to exert all diplomatic means of pressing Khartoum to admit U.N. peacekeepers. Only then will the mass violence that has already claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands and displaced over 2.5 million civilians finally cease.

# # #

Torture & Military Commissions Event at Ocean City THIS Saturday

AI Local Group 543 has invited me to speak about the recently passed military commissions legislation. The event will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 21 in the Headley Room of the Ocean City Public Library.

We will also be viewing Outlawed, a short documentary on outsourcing torture that Amnesty helped WITNESS produce. It contains some very powerful testimony from people who have been abducted, illegally transferred, and tortured as part of the “war on terror.”

Larry Ladutke
NJ Legislative Coordinator

Letter in 10/11 Star-Ledger

The Star-Ledger published my letter on the recent military commissions vote in yesterday's edition:

Historic mistake

Thanks for your excellent editorial on the recently approved military commission legislation, "Tough on terror, but not smart." Amnesty International agrees that this assault on the Constitution and our nation's core values will increase animosity toward the United States and thus undermine the struggle against terrorism.

You attribute this historic mistake to demagoguery: "Republicans had too much interest in looking tough on terror in the run- up to the November elections, and Democrats were too worried about looking weak." It is a shame that many of officials have therefore ignored the national interest of defending the Constitution and protecting our rights. It is especially disappointing that three of New Jersey's members of Congress who are usually known as champions of human rights voted for this harmful legislation. They include Sens. Frank Lauten berg and Robert Menendez and Rep. Chris Smith. Amnesty International is very grateful to Reps. Frank Pallone, Bill Pascrell, Steve Rothman, Donald Payne and Rush Holt for having the courage to vote in favor of our rights.

-- Lawrence M. Ladutke,
Weehawken

The writer is New Jersey Legislative Coordinator for Amnesty International.

Update on Darfur Letters

Great news!

EVERY U.S. Senator, including Lautenberg and Menendez, signed on to the letter urging the Arab League to persuade the Sudanese government to allow UN peacekeepers to protect civilians in Darfur.

174 Representatives signed on to the letter in the House, including:

Rep. Robert E. Andrews (D-NJ-01)
Rep. Jim Saxton (R-NJ-03)
Rep. Christopher H. Smith (R-NJ-04) **Letter Author**
Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ-05)
Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ-06)
Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ-08)
Rep. Steve Rothman (D-NJ-09)
Rep. Donald Payne (D-NJ-10)
Rep. Rush D. Holt (D-NJ-12)

Given that NJ-13 is still vacant, that means that only two of our state’s Members of Congress did not sign on. They are Congressmen LoBiondo (R-NJ-2) and Ferguson (R-NJ-7).

Thank you once again to everyone who helped bring all of these Members of Congress onboard through office visits, phone calls, and online actions!

Larry Ladutke
NJ Legislative Coordinator

Star-Ledger Editorial on Military Commissions Vote

The Star-Ledger published a very good editorial on the recent approval of military commission legislation that undermines our Constitution and the rights it protects:

Tough on terror, but not smart (Monday, 10/02/2006, Star-Ledger )President Bush won a major victory with Congress' approval last week of his plan to interrogate and prosecute terrorist detainees. Unfortunately, it's doubtful the enhanced security and safety of the United States and its residents will be the result.

I sent in a letter providing information on how our state's Members of Congress voted. The paper called yesterday to confirm that I wrote it. There is therefore a good chance that it will be published soon.

Larry Ladutke
NJ Legislative Coordinator

NJ Senators Among Those Voting Against Our Constitutional Rights

Amnesty International is very concerned about the passage of the Military Commission Act in the Senate. Given that the House has already passed similar legislation, it appears that our government will establish “legal” proceedings that undermine the core values of our Constitution, including the right to habeas corpus and protection against being tortured into “confessing.”

Today was especially sad for the state of New Jersey. Senators Lautenberg and Menendez—who are normally known for their strong support of civil liberties—voted in favor of this dangerous legislation. They did so even after the amendment that would have protected habeas corpus was rejected. This comes after New Jersey Congressman Chris Smith—also known for his leadership on human rights—voted in favor the corresponding House bill.

Once again, Amnesty is very grateful to the brave members of both chambers of Congress who were willing to put the national interest of defending the Constitution and human rights above their personal interests in the upcoming elections. They include NJ Representatives Pallone, Pascrell, Rothman, Payne, and Holt.

Larry Ladutke
NJ Legislative Coordinator, AIUSA

Online Actions on Military Commissions and Darfur

As you have probably heard, the House of Representatives has passed legislation creating military commissions that would set incredibly dangerous precedents in our country, including the use of hearsay and evidence obtained through torture (see below)! We therefore need to make sure that similar legislation does not make it through the Senate. Amnesty has set up an online action to make it easy for you to help! You can also reach Senator Lautenberg’s office at (202) 224-3224 and Senator Menendez’s at (202) 224-4744.

Amnesty has also set up a website to send messages to Congress in support of the “dear colleague” letter calling on the Arab League to persuade the Sudanese government to accept UN peacekeepers in Darfur. So far, Congressman Rush Holt has signed on to the letter being circulated by New Jersey’s Congressman Chris Smith. Keep those phone calls and online actions coming to get the rest of our state’s representatives and senators onboard!

Larry Ladutke
NJ Legislative Coordinator

How OUR Representatives Voted on Unfair Military Commissions

NJ Congressmen who voted to uphold human rights by opposing the military commissions legislation:

Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ-06)
Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ-08)
Rep. Steve Rothman (D-NJ-09)
Rep. Donald Payne (D-NJ-10)
Rep. Rush D. Holt (D-NJ-12)

NJ Congressmen who voted in favor of the military commission bill undermining human rights:

Rep. Robert E. Andrews (D-NJ-01)
Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ-02)
Rep. Jim Saxton (R-NJ-03)
Rep. Christopher H. Smith (R-NJ-04)
Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ-05)
Rep. Mike Ferguson (R-NJ-07)
Rep. Rodney P. Frelinghuysen (R-NJ-11)

Call Congress to Help Protect Civilians in Darfur!

The week of lobbying on Darfur officially begins tomorrow (Monday, September 25, 2006). Amnesty activists will be visiting close to two hundred congressional offices across the country to urge their Members of Congress to sign a letter urging the Arab League to persuade the Sudanese government to stop the killing and accept the deployment of UN Peacekeepers.

You can help by calling your congressman, as well as both of New Jersey’s senators. If you don’t know who represents your congressional district, please visit the House website. You can also check the map of congressional districts in our state. Here are the numbers to call for each New Jersey Congressman:

Andrews (District 1) 202-225-6501
LoBiondo (District 2) 202-225-6572
Saxton (District 3) 202-225-4765
Smith (District 4) 202-225-3765 (Thank Smith for circulating this letter!)
Garrett (District 5) 202-225-4465
Pallone (District 6) 202-225-4671
Ferguson (District 7) 202-225-5361
Pascrell (District 8) 202-225-5751
Rothman (District 9) 202-225-5061
Payne (District 10) 202-225-2436
Frelinghuysen (District 11) 202-225-5034
Holt (District 12) 202-225-5801

Please note that District 13 is still vacant. Hudson County residents should still call the senate offices, though!

Everyone in New Jersey should call Senator Lautenberg (202-224-3224) and Senator Menendez (202-224-4744).

Talking points:
· I am concerned about the recent escalation of violence in Darfur. Over 200,000 civilians have already been killed. Millions more have been displaced, and rape has been widely used as a weapon.
· The African Union peacekeepers have been overburdened and underfunded. Their mandate is now set to expire at the end of 2006. It is crucial that UN forces be allowed into the region to take over their role protecting the civilian population from all sides of the conflict. This could literally save hundreds of thousands of lives.
· The Sudanese government has refused to accept UN peacekeepers. Diplomatic pressure from the Arab League could help convince President Omar Hassan El-Bashir to allow them to take over for the African Union troops.
· Members of Congress have written sign-on letters urging the Arab League to take action. This is a truly bipartisan effort. Please add your signature!
· Members of the House of Representatives should contact the offices of Congressman Chris Smith (Republican, New Jersey, 202-225-3765) or Congressman Tom Lantos (Democrat, California, 202-225-3531).
· Senators should contact the office of Senator Dianne Feinstein (Democratic, California, 202-224-3841) or Senator Bill Frist (Republican, Tennessee, 202-2243344).

If you get a chance, please send me a message at LLadutke@yahoo.com after you make your calls. Let me know which offices you called and how they responded.

Thank you,
Larry Ladutke
NJ Legislative Coordinator

EMERGENCY CALLS TO OPPOSE UNFAIR TRIALS

I know that many of you are focused on our upcoming week of lobbying on Darfur. Unfortunately, however, an emergency situation has arisen that needs our attention RIGHT NOW.

The Bush Administration is attempting to get around Supreme Court recent rulings by having Congress pass legislation authorizing “military tribunals” for so-called “enemy combatants.” These tribunals, in turn, would be able to convict people on the basis of evidence that their lawyers haven’t seen. They would also allow evidence obtained through torture and protect officials who have committed torture. They would also remove the right to challenge one’s detention through habeas corpus appeals.

This legislation is so bad that moderate Republicans such as Senator McCain are refusing to go along. Unfortunately, however, the alternative legislation they are offering also undermines basic human rights—just not as much as the administration's bill.

Please contact your representative and BOTH of our senators to urge them to vote against ANY proposal that would:

· Authorize unfair trials that would allow the accused to be convicted on the basis of secret evidence;
· Allow for the use of interrogation techniques that amount to torture or ill-treatment;
· Undermine the fundamental right of judicial review through habeas corpus proceedings for anyone in detention;
· Codify a broad definition of "unlawful enemy combatant" that would grant expansive power to the Executive to detain people;
· Establish retroactive immunity for individuals who may have committed torture and other war crimes.

If you need to be brief, you can tell your elected officials, “By supporting Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions, the Supreme Court has upheld international law calling for fair trials and prohibiting torture and other cruel and degrading treatment. I urge the Senator to maintain this ruling by rejecting any proposals that would weaken the Geneva Conventions, allowing for unfair trials and ill-treatment of people in detention.”

This week, you can call your congressional offices toll free at 1-800-AMNESTY. This will patch you through to the congressional switchboard, so you will need to know which office you want to speak with. Everyone in New Jersey should speak with the offices of Senator Frank Lautenberg and Senator Robert Menendez. If you don’t know who your Congressman is, please enter your zip code at http://www.house.gov/.

You can dial Senator Lautenberg’s office directly at (202) 224-3224. Senator Menendez’s office is at (202) 224-4744. You can find your congressman’s website and phone number by entering your zip code at http://www.house.gov/.

Thanks again for all of the work that everyone is doing on Darfur. Please, however, take a few minutes to help protect human rights in our own country!

Larry Ladutke
NJ Legislative Coordinator, AIUSA

Please Thank Rep. Smith for his speech at the Save Darfur Rally!

Dear Amnesty Activists,

As you know, Save Darfur rallies took place around the world today. I was fortunate enough to attend the demonstration in Central Park.

The people of New Jersey were represented by Congressman Christopher Smith, who gave a powerful speech calling on governments around the world—including ours, of course—to put pressure on Sudan to stop the violence and accept UN peacekeepers. Smith will also be holding a hearing about the crisis in Darfur on Capitol Hill this Wednesday. As the Legislative Coordinator for our state, I encourage you to contact his office to express our gratitude for his leadership. His DC office is at (202) 224- 225-3765. You can reach his district offices at (609) 585-7878 or (732) 350-2300.

It would also be great if you could publicly thank Smith by writing a letter to the editor!

Thanks,
Larry Ladutke
NJ Legislative Coordinator

September 13th Hearings on the Death Penalty in New Jersey

As you may know, Amnesty has worked with New Jerseyans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty on the campaign that led to a moratorium on capital punishment in our state. Please see their announcement about upcoming hearings on the issue below.

Larry Ladutke,
NJ Legislative Coordiantor, AIUSAPaxCF@aol.com wrote:

Friends,

This email contains information on the second public hearing of the New Jersey Death Penalty Study Commission, scheduled for this coming Wednesday, Sept 13. In July, more than 100 NJADP members turned out for the first public hearing of the Commission and we would like to increase that number! Please mark your calendar and plan to attend this historic hearing.

This email also includes information on a very special and timely New Jersey speaking tour featuring two dynamic and inspiring speakers - Juan Melendez and Vicki Schieber.

I hope to see you next week! In peace,
Celeste

Wed., Sept. 13 at 1PM, New Jersey Death Penalty Study Commission Public HearingNew Jersey State House, 125 West State Street, Trenton

Witnesses include Juan Melendez and Vicki Schieber. For more information or directions, contact Abe at abe@njadp.org or 609-278-6719.

Go directly to the hearing at 1PM or join other NJADP supporters at a member reception at the Contemporary Auditorium, 176 West State Street, directly across from the State House. Refreshments will be served after 11:30 until the start of the hearing and again after the hearing. Please RSVP for the reception by contacting Abe at abe@njadp.org or 609-278-6719.

Vicki
Schieber

Shannon Schieber was a doctoral student at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School. But, her bright future ended on May 7, 1998 when she was brutally raped and murdered by the "Center City Rapist." Vicki and Sylvester Schieber never imagined the pain of losing a child in this horrific way, or their struggle to see Shannon's killer brought to justice in a way that would honor her memory. Come hear this courageous mother's moving story of love, faith, strength, and her journey for healing.

Juan Melendez

Juan Roberto Melendez Colon spent 17 years, eight months and one day on Florida's death row for a crime he did not commit. He was exonerated and released on January 3, 2002 after a tape recording of the real killer confessing to the crime was found hidden in state files. Come hear Juan share his personal story of suffering and struggle won over by human resilience, courage, faith in God, and hope that justice would prevail.

Celeste Fitzgerald

Director, New Jerseyans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty

www.njadp.org

Put Darfur Back on the Congressional Agenda!

As you may know, Amnesty is organizing a week of lobbying (September 25-29) in support of a congressional “Dear Colleague” letter urging the Administration to expedite the deployment of UN peacekeepers in Darfur.

Amnesty activists across the country are organizing visits with their local congressional offices. You can search for an join a delegation in your district.

So far, Student Area Coordinators Leon Ratz and Anne Watanabe have started organizing visits to Congressmen Rothman's and Holt’s district offices! If you don’t see an existing delegation in your district, there is still time to volunteer to organize one!

Thanks,
Larry Ladutke
NJ Legislative Coordinator

Congratulations to Our Allies at NJADP!

As you may know, Amnesty International has worked with New Jerseyans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (NJADP). I therefore wanted to share the following news I received about our friends there!

Larry Ladutke
NJ Legislative Coordinator

Dear Friends,

I am pleased and proud to share with you good news that two of our own at New Jerseyans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty have
been chosen to receive national awards from the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty (NCADP):

ABOLITIONIST OF THE YEAR AWARD

As is obvious from its title, this is the primary award that NCADP presents each year. I AM MOST HAPPY TO ADVISE THAT OUR OWN CELESTE FITZGERALD, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF NJADP, WILL BE THIS YEAR’S RECIPIENT. This, and the next award I will announce below, will be presented at the NCADP annual conference taking place this year in Fairfax, Va. on October 28.

You are all certainly aware that Celeste has been our guiding force in obtaining a Moratorium on use of the death penalty. This moratorium was actually the first in the nation achieved through
legislative means. The legislation, signed by Governor Codey in January, also created a Study Commission, which is now examining all aspects of potential use of this penalty in our state. Moreover, she is, and will continue to be that same guiding force in our ongoing efforts toward Abolition of that penalty in New Jersey.

It’s important to note that New Jersey has an excellent chance to be the first state in the union to legislatively abolish that penalty. All of us in the state know full well that we would not be in that position at present were it not for Celeste’s considerable skills and energy. I would merely mention here just a few of those skills, ones that I have had the pleasure of witnessing from up close.

NCADP OUTSTANDING LEGAL SERVICES AWARD

Who better to receive such an award than NJADP’s counsel and Legal Committee Chair and also Steering Committee member, Kevin Walsh? In my humble opinion, and that of our entire Executive
Committee, we could not have asked for a better addition than when Kevin volunteered six years ago to lend a hand, legally or in any way he was asked. He is deserving of any reward or award that may be given for service above and beyond the call.

In summary, Celeste and Kevin, I can only say that, when the death penalty is wiped from the books here in our great state, and when there are stronger movements in other jurisdictions spurred by the New Jersey results, we can point to both of you as both beacons and driving forces in these accomplishments.

Peace,
Lorry

Meet with Congress to Protect Civilians in Darfur!

Dear NJ Amnesty activists,

As you know, the recent diplomatic progress has not stopped the humanitarian catastrophe in Darfur. The African Union peacekeeping force has not had enough troops and other resources to protect civilians from both sides of the conflict. Amnesty International has therefore made it a priority to support efforts to get United Nations peacekeepers into the area as soon as possible.

You can help! Several Members of Congress from both parties are currently working on a “Dear Colleague” letter urging our government to do everything it can to accelerate the deployment of UN troops in Darfur. Amnesty would like you to organize meetings with your local congressional offices to ask your representatives to add their signatures to this important document. The meetings would take place between September 25th and 29th.

Please click HERE to apply to lead a delegation in your community. Given the scale of the atrocities so far, timely action could save tens of thousands of lives!

Please also let me know if there is anything that I can do to help you take part in this week of lobbying.

Thanks,
Larry Ladutke
NJ Legislative Coordinator, AIUSA

"Dear Colleague" Letter on Escalating Violence in El Salvador

As you may know, I have a special connection to El Salvador. Before becoming the New Jersey Legislative Coordinator for AI, I wrote a dissertation on human rights advocacy during the UN-sponsored peace process in the nation. I paid special attention to the creation and evolution of the National Civilian Police force (PNC).

While the U.S. media has largely ignored recent developments in El Salvador, I have been very worried about the escalating violence. I was therefore encouraged when Eric Olson, the Advocacy Director for the Americas in AIUSA’s DC office, sent me the following alert about a “Dear Colleague” letter being circulated in the House of Representatives.

Please contact your Congressman and urge him to sign on by contacting Cindy Buhl in James McGovern’s office BY FRIDAY, JULY 28TH. You can find out how to contact your Representative by going to the House website. A map of congressional districts in New Jersey is also available online.

Please feel free to circulate this message.

Thanks,
Larry Ladutke

Urge your Representative to Condemn Killings of Salvadoran Police Officers

Two police officers were killed and several more wounded following a demonstration protesting increases in bus fares in El Salvador on July 5, 2006. Your immediate action condemning these attacks and supporting a thorough and impartial investigation could help ease tensions in El Salvador. Please contact your Representative to urge him/her to sign-on to a ‘Dear Colleague’ letter by Representatives McGovern and Lantos by Friday, July 28th, calling on Secretary Rice to call on all parties to refrain from making politically charged accusations, and thereby reducing tensions in the region and review the events leading up to this tragedy.

Sample letter:

Dear Representative__________:

I am writing out of deep concern about events that took place in El Salvador on July 5, 2006. Protests have flared intermittently over the last year in El Salvador and clashes between the protestors and the police have become more frequent. The Ombudsman for Human Rights in El Salvador has found that the police have used excessive force in a number of these cases. It is essential that the U.S. call on all parties to refrain from continuing to make politically charged accusations and attempting to seek political advantage from these events.

In one such instance on July 5th, anti-riot police took up positions before a march which was organized to protest increases in bus fares, as part of a larger ongoing protest about the cost of living in the country. During an ensuing confrontation between protestors and riot police, many shots were fired at police officers in what appears to have been an ambush by at least one gunman. Two officers were killed, and ten other law enforcement personnel were injured. The police then responded with a major show of force, entering the nearby National University, searching homes and organizational offices in the neighborhood, and making a number of arrests. Although the shooting of the police is inexcusable, some government officials, protest leaders, opposition politicians, and diplomats have made remarks, which may have exacerbated the violence.

Sadly, this incident represents a further escalation in the confrontation between the government and civil society. I urge the U.S. government to review the actions of the National Civilian Police (PNC) over the last year to determine whether the PNC has been professional, community-oriented, and observant of international recognized human rights. It is essential that specialized units, such as the anti-riot police, utilize appropriate force when confronting protesters and otherwise fulfilling their law enforcement duties.

I am calling on you to sign-on to Representative McGovern’s and Representative Lantos’ ‘Dear Colleague’ letter addressed to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, urging her to seek to reduce the tensions in El Salvador by assessing the level of professionalism and respect for human rights of the Salvadoran police and demanding an immediate, impartial investigation.

Thank you for your time and support concerning this critical issue.

Sincerely,

Talking Points:
Your Representative can be reached at the Congressional switchboard at 202-224-3121. Once you are transferred, ask to speak with his/her legislative director. Use the following talking points below for your call.
Hi my name is ______ and I am a constituent of Representative_______.
I am calling to urge Representative______ to sign-on to Representative McGovern’s and Representative Lantos’ ‘Dear Colleague’ letter addressed to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice concerning the killings of Salvadoran police officers.

Protests and clashes between civilians and police have become more frequent in the last year and the Ombudsman for Human Rights in El Salvador has found that the police have used excessive force in a number of cases.

An example of this occurred on July 5, 2006 in which during a demonstration against higher bus fares, shots were fired at police, resulting in two officers killed and ten other law enforcement personnel injured.

Although the shooting of the police is inexcusable, some government officials, protest leaders, opposition politicians, and diplomats have made remarks, which may have exacerbated the violence.

This incident sadly represents the escalation in the confrontation between the government and civil society and I believe that the U.S. government should seek to reduce the tensions in El Salvador by condemning the attacks on police officers, calling for an immediate and impartial investigation and reviewing the actions of the National Civilian Police to determined whether it has been professional, community-oriented and observant of internationally recognized human rights.

I urge Representative _______ to sign-on to this ‘Dear Colleague’ letter, set to expire on Friday, July 28, 2006.

Thank you for your time and support concerning this issue.

Background:

The disappearances, genocide, terrorism, torture and other crimes committed that took place between 1978 and 1986 during the period of armed conflict in El Salvador have not yet been clarified and foster a climate of impunity, injustice, corruption. Before the events of this month, tensions in El Salvador were already high. Protests have flared intermittently over the last year as the dialogue between protestors and the government seems not to have resolved their differences. As a result, clashes between the protestors and the police have been frequent, and the Ombudsman for Human Rights in El Salvador has found that the police have used excessive force in a number of cases. This incident represents a further escalation in the confrontation between the government and dissident segments of Salvadoran society. Also, the United States, through the United Nations, has made in previous years a substantial investment in the establishment, training and outfitting of the National Civilian Police.

Guatemala Update: Impact of Dear Colleague Letter

As you may remember, NJ Congressmen Rothman, Payne, and Holt signed on to a "Dear Colleague" letter urging the US State Department to address the nearly 2000 unsolved murders of Guatemala. Here is an update from the national office of AIUSA:

"State Department Responds to Congress with a Commitment to Address Violence Against Women in GuatemalaFollowing a Congressional Dear Colleague letter on violence against women in Guatemala, the U.S. State Department responded to Congress, outlining steps State officials have taken on the issue and indicating a commitment to continuing to address the violence. AIUSA activists actively lobbied Members of Congress to be signatories on the Congressional letter, which ultimately 115 Representatives signed.» Learn more"

Report From DC Lobbying on International Torture Victims and Survivors Day

I joined dozens of activists from a broad coalition of human rights groups in Washington for training and lobbying in commemoration of International Torture Victims and Survivors Day. The training took place at Georgetown University Law Center on Sunday, June 25th. It included testimony from a Honduran woman who was tortured in the early 1980s in retaliation for aiding Salvadoran refugees.

Despite the incredible problems with the Metro system on Monday, we all headed to Capitol Hill to persuade more Members of Congress to cosponsor legislation against extraordinary renditions. We brought along DVDs of the new Witness documentary Outlawed: Extraordinary Rendition, Torture and Disappearances in the ‘War on Terror’ to leave at each office. I met with staff members at the offices of Congressmen Robert Andrews, Frank LoBiondo, and Chris Smith, as well as people from Senator Menendez’s office. I also had a meeting with Representative Bill Pascrell’s office on Tuesday. I then went around the Cannon, Longworth, and Rayburn buildings to drop off DVDs and other materials to the remaining New Jersey Congressmen who have not already cosponsored the Torture Outsourcing and Prevention Act.

A group of torture survivors also held a twenty four-hour vigil across the street from the Whitehouse in Lafayette Park. Given the incredible downpour, it was hard to stay there for very long. I stopped by to show my support, though, and met three Salvadoran torture survivors and one from Guatemala. As you may know, I wrote my dissertation on human rights in El Salvador and therefore feel a special connection with the region.

Dozens of activists also turned out for district meetings with congressional offices across the country on Monday. Some meetings were delayed, however, and will take place in the coming weeks.

It is too soon to measure our impact. It may be several weeks before staff members are able to tell us whether or not their bosses have decided to support HR 952/S 654 or take other actions to end extraordinary renditions. At the very least, however, we have definitely shown our determination to oppose torture.

I did not get to watch Outlawed until I got back to New Jersey. It is relatively short (27 minutes), but provides some very powerful testimony directly from the few people who have reemerged from “extraordinary renditions.” It would make a great event for your local group or student chapter! You should also suggest that university libraries purchase the documentary and that faculty members use it in class.

Please Write Letters to Newspapers Against Outsourcing Torture!

Dear NJ Amnesty Activists,

It would be great if we could generate some letters-to-the-editor about the lobbying against extraordinary renditions. Here are a few recent articles from the Star-Ledger to which you can respond, along with the paper’s instructions for doing so. Please be sure to urge our Congressmen to vote for HR 952 and Senator Menendez to vote for S 654. You can also thank Lautenberg, Rothman, Holt, Payne, and Pallone for already cosponsoring these bills.

Thanks,
Larry Ladutke,
NJ Legislative Coordinator, AIUSA

President finds some solidarity at EU summit
Thursday, June 22, 2006
BY TERENCE HUNT
Associated Press


Specter wants to know why Bush ignores laws
At hearing, officials will have to explain heavy use of 'signing statements' to bypass rules
Thursday, June 22, 2006
BY ANDY SULLIVAN
REUTERS


Guilty until proven innocent in this war
Friday, June 23, 2006
BY LISA ROSE
Star-Ledger Staff
The Road to Guantánamo

From the Star-Ledger's Website:

"The Star-Ledger welcomes comments from readers. Please e-mail to: eletters@starledger.com (letters to the editor) oped@starledger.com (op-ed articles). Submissions may be mailed to: Editorial Department, The Star-Ledger, 1 Star-Ledger Plaza, Newark, NJ, 07102-1200.
Letters must not exceed 200 words. Op-ed articles must not exceed 800 words. All submissions must include the writer's name, address and phone number. Address and phone numbers are kept confidential. Unsigned submissions will not be used. All submissions become the property of The Star-Ledger and will not be returned; submissions may be edited and may be published and otherwise reused in any medium. Because of the volume of mail, we cannot acknowledger receipt of submissions or provide information on their status. Calls made to verify authorship of letters do not guarantee publication. Authors of op-ed pieces selected for publication will be contacted. Submissions may be mailed to: The Star-Ledger, 1 Star-Ledger Plaza, Newark, NJ, 07102-1200"

Update on Meeting with Congressmen Garrett

I received the following update on the delegation that is meeting with Scott Garrett to urge him to help end our government's practice of outsourcing torture:

"We are scheduled to meet with Garrett personally. The meeting is set for July 17th, in the Paramus office (210 Rt. 4 East; Suite 206) at 11:30. There will be at least three people coming."--Tony Van der Mude

REPORT ON 6/23 MEETING WITH SMITH’S OFFICE

The leader of the Amnesty student group in Brick, NJ and I met with Congressman Chris Smith’s District Policy Director this afternoon. Things went very well. Given that the Brick chapter has worked on the Gurbandurdy Durdykuliev case, Kaitlin made sure she thanked Smith for writing a "Dear Colleague" letter that helped bring about his release. Smith’s staff person was very interested in this and wanted to know more. It looks like the beginning of a productive relationship between Smith’s office and this relatively new chapter.

Of course, the main reason for our visit was to urge Smith to support the Outsourcing Torture Prevention Act. Kaitlin did a great job of explaining why Smith should cosponsor this legislation. She also brought along some signed petitions from her school.

During the next few days, delegations around the state will meet with the offices of Senator Menendez, Congressman LoBiondo, Congressman Saxton, and Congressmen Garrett. I will be meeting with several congressional offices on Capitol Hill on Monday.

By the way, I have received some tallies for the online actions in support of HR 952. LoBiondo’s, Smith’s, Saxtons’ Garrett’s, Ferguson’s, and Frelinghuysen’s constituents have all done a great job in generating these messages.

Thanks,
Larry Ladutke
NJ Legislative Coordinator, AIUSA

National Call-In Day to Oppose Outsourcing Torture

Dear NJ AI Activists,

As you know, people around the country are about to meet with the offices of their Senators and Representatives to urge them to end “extraordinary renditions,” the outsourcing of torture by our government. New Jersey Amnesty activists have planned meetings with Senator Menendez, Congressman LoBiondo, Congressman Saxton, Congressman Smith, and Congressman Garrett.

These offices will be more receptive to Amnesty’s position if they hear from other constituents. You can help these meetings succeed by taking part in the national call-in day on Friday, June 23rd! Everyone in the state can call Senator Menendez’s office at (202) 224-4744 and urge him to cosponsor S 654.

You can find out who your Congressman is by entering your zip code at the House of Representatives Website or looking at the NJ Congressional District Map.

We especially need calls to urge Representatives LoBiondo (2nd District, 202-225-6572), Saxton (3rd District 202-225-4765), Smith (4th District, 202-225-3765) and Garrett (202-225-4465) to cosponsor HR 952.

It would also be helpful to get calls asking Congressmen Andrews (1st District, 202-225-6501), Ferguson (7th District, 202-225-5361), Pascrell (8th District, 202-225-5751), and Frelinghuysen (11th District, 202-225-5034) to cosponsor HR 952.

Our state’s remaining Members of Congress have already cosponsored these bills. Please feel free to call and thank them for doing so!

By the way, I will be joining one of Chris Smith’s constituents from Brick to meet with his office in Whiting tomorrow (Friday) afternoon. I will be in Washington on Monday. So far, I have scheduled visits with Andrews’s and Pascrell’s DC Offices. I hope to add several more.

Thanks,
Larry Ladutke
NJ Legislative Coordinator, AIUSA

Send Congress E-mail to Support Lobbying Against Outsourcing Torture!

Dear NJ Amnesty activists,

Please visit Amnesty's Take Action Center to send Congress e-mail messages supporting legislation against extraordinary renditions.

As you know, activists around the country will be meeting with dozens congressional offices—including five in New Jersey—on or about June 26th, International Torture Victims and Survivors Day. Even if you can not take part in these visits, you can help out. The delegations meeting with Senator Menendez, Rep. LoBiondo, Rep. Smith, Rep. Garrett, and Rep. Saxton will be more likely to receive if these offices have been hearing out this issue from their constituents!

Amnesty has also called for a national day of telephone calls to congressional offices against extraordinary renditions on Friday, June 23rd.

Thanks!
Larry Ladutke
NJ Legislative Coordinator, AIUSA

Torture Awareness Month Update: 5 NJ Delegations!

Dear NJ Amnesty Activists,

There are now five New Jersey congressional district meetings planned for “Torture Awareness Month”! We will be joining activists across the nation in urging Congress to support legislation against extraordinary renditions, the process of transferring custody of a prisoner to a government known to commit torture.

You can sign up to join one by clicking HERE. See the list below to see which Members of Congress are being lobbied. If you don’t live in districts 2, 3, 4, or 5, please consider joining the team that is visiting Senator Menendez’s office in Newark.


2nd District
Rep. Frank Lobiondo
Faith Penrose, Egg Harbor City

3rd District
Rep. Jim Saxton
Christian Sailer, Barnegat

4th District
Rep. Chris Smith
Larry Ladutke, Whiting

5th District
Rep. Scott Garrett
Antony Van der Mude, Hackettstown

Statewide Delegation
Sen. Robert Menendez
Bennet Zurofsky, Newark

Even if you can’t join a delegation, please support us by calling Congress and writing letters-to-the-editor supporting HR 952 and S 654, the legislation against extraordinary renditions.

Thank you,
Larry Ladutke
NJ Legislative Coordinator, AIUSA

Lobby Against Outsourcing Torture During Torture Awareness Month (June)!

Amnesty activsts throughout the the country are organizing district meetings with Members of Congress to support legislation against "extraordinary renditions," the practice of transferring detainees to governments known to commit toture. So far, there are three delegations in NJ. You can sign up to join the teams visiting Congressman Smith (NJ4), Congressman Saxton (NJ3), and/or Senator Menendez by clicking HERE.

The following NJ Members of Congress have already agreed to cosponsor this legislation, S 654 and HR 952:

• Senator Lautenberg
• Congressman Holt (NJ12)
• Congressman Pallone (NJ6)
• Congressman Payne (NJ10)
• Congressman Rothman (NJ9)