Amnesty International Calls Pentagon Official's Remarks 'Irresponsible'

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Amnesty International executive director Larry Cox issued the following statement in response to Charles Stimson's, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Detainee Affairs, comments regarding attorneys that represent detainees at the Guantanamo Bay detention center and international calls for the center's closure:

"Stimson's remarks could not have been more irresponsible. By referring to the international outrage at the U.S.-controlled detention center at Guantanamo Bay as nothing more that a few small demonstrations staged by Amnesty International, is not only wrong but extremely disrespectful. After being rebuked by world leaders, including leaders from allied countries, two UN committees, faith leaders, and people of conscience around the world, it is incredible that anyone would believe that the outrage about Guantanamo rests only with Amnesty International activists. Amnesty International has worked with other human rights organizations, legal associations, faith communities and international bodies in opposing U.S. policies in Guantanamo and will continue to do so as one of a cacophony of voices calling for its closure.

"Attacking attorneys who would take their time, with out recompense, to defend the human rights of people who have been subject to indefinite and arbitrary detention by the U.S. government distracts from the human rights violations that continue to be committed in Guantanamo Bay. Amnesty International stands with the attorneys who are dedicated to protect the internationally recognized rights of all people in custody, and recognizes them as human rights defenders committed to upholding the rule of law.

"Rather than attack the law firms who have courageously and zealously fought for the most fundamental rights for their clients, such as the right to have their detention reviewed by an independent court, perhaps Mr. Stimson should spend his time working to bring the United States back into the community of civilized nations that does not imprison people without charge, without hope and without end."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/usnw/20070114/pl_usnw/amnesty_international_calls_pentagon_official_s_remarks__irresponsible

[JohnnyLib2]

1. A responsible SecDef would take immediate, strong steps

to disown and stop this official's statements.

But this is the Bush administration.