As I previously posted, Amnesty is teaming up with other human rights organizations for a week of lobbying to restore the right to habeas corpus. By eliminating this right for anyone the administration labels an “enemy combatant,” the Military Commissions Act has put a legal face on the unconstitutional practice of indefinitely holding prisoners without charges and without any opportunity to challenge their detention before an independent court. Unfortunately, past experience has shown that these circumstances create extremely favorable conditions for torture and other forms of cruel and inhuman treatment—which also violates the U.S. Constitution!
On June 26, the International Day in Support of Torture Victims, activists from around the country will gather in DC demonstrate, learn how to lobby, and then meet with their congressional offices. There is a possibility that Amnesty may be able to provide bus transportation for those interested in taking part! This will be a great opportunity to speak with the people who help set policy on human rights issues and to show them how much you care about our Constitution.
If you can’t make it to DC, we are also organizing meetings with local congressional offices throughout the week of June 26.
Click here to find out more and volunteer to take part in these activities—as a delegation leader or member.
Those of us in New Jersey have a lot of work to do on this issue. So far, Congressmen Steve Rothman [NJ12] is the only one of thirteen House members who has cosponsored the relevant legislation! Both of New Jersey’s senators have cosponsored the Restoring the Constitution Act. While Senator Frank Lautenberg has agreed to support the Habeas Corpus Restoration Act, however, Senator Robert Menendez has not yet done so.
I have also been told that getting Congressman Robert Andrews [NJ1] onboard is going to be especially important! Help from his constituents would therefore be greatly appreciated!
Larry Ladutke
NJ Legislative Coordinator, AIUSA
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