Human Rights Groups Slam Obama's Move to Suppress Torture Photos
NEW YORK, May 14 (IPS) -- President Barack Obama’s decision Wednesday to object to the planned release of photos showing abuse of prisoners in U.S. custody in Iraq and Afghanistan has drawn quiet praise from the military and some in Congress – and outspoken scorn from human rights advocates, a number of legal scholars and religious leaders, and many on the left of his Democratic Party.
The release, originally scheduled for May 28, was ordered by a federal appeals court in response to a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
The Obama Justice Department initially indicated it had run out of legal options and would comply with the court order.
But Wednesday, the president made a 180-degree U-turn and ordered his lawyers to go back to court to appeal the decision. It is likely the case will eventually make its way to the Supreme Court.
At a press conference, Obama said that, "Any abuse of detainees is unacceptable. It is against our values. It endangers our security. It will not be tolerated."
The release, originally scheduled for May 28, was ordered by a federal appeals court in response to a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
The Obama Justice Department initially indicated it had run out of legal options and would comply with the court order.
But Wednesday, the president made a 180-degree U-turn and ordered his lawyers to go back to court to appeal the decision. It is likely the case will eventually make its way to the Supreme Court.
At a press conference, Obama said that, "Any abuse of detainees is unacceptable. It is against our values. It endangers our security. It will not be tolerated."
posted by temporal at 5/15/2009
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