Arar drags Bush's policies into court

[CHIMO]

Arar drags Bush's policies into court
Historic case challenges practice of rendition

Lawyers won't concede Canadian tortured in Syria

NEW YORK—Canadian Maher Arar made history in a Brooklyn courtroom yesterday when his lawyers forced the Bush administration to defend its treatment of him when he was detained in the United States, then whisked off to face torture in Syria.

Lawyers for the New York-based Centre for Constitutional Rights became the first to challenge Washington's policy of "extraordinary rendition" in a court of law.

Rendition was on trial in U.S. district court during three hours of oral arguments in the case known as Arar vs. Ashcroft.

Fourteen government lawyers flocked to the court to defend former attorney-general John Ashcroft, former homeland security chief Tom Ridge, FBI Director Robert Mueller and other high-ranking officials being challenged by Arar, an Ottawa computer consultant.

http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_PrintFriendly&c=Article&cid=1123626307512&call_pageid=968332188492

Free registration required.

[wli]

1. we can only hope the perpetrators are brought to justice

It was a crime against humanity. It could happen to us if we don't bring them to justice.

[rodeodance]

2. it is cases such as this that need to be made visible.

[ixion]

3. BushCo's policies should have been jailed long ago

as should their author.

[enough]

4. Center for Constitutional Rights: tireless fighters for justice

http://www.ccr-ny.org/v2/home.asp

Also working on Guantanamo, Patriot Act, etc. Worthy of DU support.

[leesa]

5. Good. This is an important step.

[whatever4]

6. You know, I keep wondering

I keep wondering, if the admin does this to enough foreign people, that they might pick the wrong one, and get in hot water with the home country. I used to think other governments cared enough, that these acts could start a war, if they snatch up the wrong person of the wrong family with money and pull.

But, then I thought, they probably check those things first, and in all likelihood, check with the nation as well, just to make sure they don't torture anyone "important".

I don't think there IS a government that works for it's people to the extent it would declare war over atrocities being enacted on it's own people on foreign soil, but, I sure USED to think it was a possibility.

Part of growing up I guess. Safeguarding people is NEVER why wars are started. Not by us. Not by anyone.

[Spazito]

7. I am glad the case is going forward!

Mr. Arar is holding both the Canadian and US governments responsible for what happened to him and so he should!

[struggle4progress]

8. kick for fascists rampant