High court rules against due process; Amnesty responds; you can take action

Yesterday, in a flagrant disregard for the fundamental human right to due process, a federal appeals court ruled that Guantanamo detainees may not challenge their detention in U.S. courts. [Read story.]

Hopefully this ruling will be appealed to the Supreme Court, and hopefully the Supremes will rule in favor of human rights.

Meantime, Larry Cox, Executive Director of Amnesty International USA, issued the following statement:

"Today's decision means that the legal limbo dance continues for detainees in U.S. control and is a blow to the American justice system, known for its commitment to rule of law and due process. It is unconscionable that these men are denied the most basic right to challenge their detention. If today's decision is allowed to stand, it will join the ranks of cases like Korematsu and Dredd Scott, which are widely recognized as shameful moments in U.S. jurisprudence.

"Immediate action must be taken to invalidate this appalling decision. It's time for Congress to reverse the damage caused by the Military Commissions Act and the Bush administration?s policies."

How you can help: Ask your senators to support S.576, the Restoring the Constitution Act of 2007.

From the Center for Victims of Torture:

Please voice your support for legislation introduced in the Senate to correct many of the most egregious problems of the Military Commissions Act of 2006. The bill, called Restoring the Constitution Act of 2007, would restore judicial review -- habeas corpus -- so that detainees held as terrorism suspects could challenge their treatment and detention in U.S. courts. The Center for Victims of Torture views habeas corpus as a necessary tool to examine allegations of abuse so mistreatment does not continue unchecked.

It would also prohibit evidence obtained through coercion or hearsay. Under the Military Commissions Act, evidence obtained through torture or coercion can be introduced during trials of terror suspects. Again, CVT and our colleagues around the world involved in torture rehabilitation know that allowing evidence obtained through torture or mistreatment is an invitation to continued abuse.

Urge your senators to support the Restoring the Constitution Act of 2007. Tell them you expect our leaders to uphold our commitment to the rule of law and humane treatment even in the face of our enemies.

Take action now.