Establish Independent Commission to Investigate Torture & End Secret Deten

Human Rights First: Substantial 'No' Vote on Gonzales Underscores Need to Establish Independent Commission to Investigate Torture and End Secret Detentions

2/3/2005 6:16:00 PM

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To: National Desk

Contact: Sean Crowley for Human Rights First, 202-478-6128 or scrowley@mrss.com; Web: http://www.HumanRightsFirst.org

NEW YORK, Feb. 3 /U.S. Newswire/ -- The Senate's surprisingly close vote of 60 to 36 to confirm Alberto Gonzales as Attorney General underscores the fact that the torture debate is not over, said Human Rights First. It also demands that the Senate establish an independent, bi-partisan commission to investigate the prisoner abuse and torture at Abu Ghraib and other U.S. detention facilities.

"Mr. Gonzales' confirmation should not be interpreted as a confirmation of the Bush administration's interrogation policy," said Michael Posner, the Executive Director of Human Rights First (formerly the Lawyers Committee for Human Rights). "In the absence of an independent investigation into the torture scandal, the Gonzales hearings became a venue for Senators to express their deep concerns about interrogation and detention. These concerns are growing. We urge all Senators now to come together to establish an independent commission to examine U.S. policy on interrogation and detention and recommend corrective actions. In addition, as an immediate step, the Administration should stop the practice of holding 'ghost detainees' and allow International Red Cross monitors immediate access to all U.S.-held prisoners."

For more information on Alberto Gonzales' nomination to be Attorney General:

-- Human Rights First's Statement Opposing Gonzales' Confirmation as Attorney General: http://www.humanrightsfirst.org/us_law/etn/gonzales/statements/hrf_opp_gonz_012405.asp

-- HRF Analysis of Gonzales' Senate Testimony and Written Follow-up Answers: http://www.humanrightsfirst.org/us_law/etn/gonzales/statements/hrf_opp_gonz_full_012405.asp

-- Letter from Retired Military Leaders to Senate Judiciary Urging Close Scrutiny of Gonzales' Record: http://www.humanrightsfirst.org/us_law/etn/gonzales/statements/gonz_military_010405.pdf

-- HRF Report on Gonzales' Rights Record: http://www.humanrightsfirst.org/us_law/etn/gonzales/briefs/brief_20041220_Gonz_all.pdf

-- Flow Chart Showing Gonzales Role in Setting Torture Policy: http://www.humanrightsfirst.org/us_law/etn/gonzales/charts/gonz_torture_chart.pdf

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Alliance for Justice Condemns Senate Vote to Confirm Alberto Gonzales as Attorney General, Calls for Independent Commission

2/3/2005 5:39:00 PM


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To: National Desk

Contact: Julie Bernstein, 202-822-6070 ext. 297 or 240-601-5562 (cell), Kelly Landis, 202-822-6070 ext. 338, or 202-246-0190 (cell), both of Alliance for Justice

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Alliance for Justice strongly criticized the United States Senate today following its 60-36 vote to confirm Alberto Gonzales as attorney general of the United States.

Gonzales' record as White House counsel over the past four years, especially his role in formulating the policies that led to the torture of detainees, is cause for serious concern. "These actions still raise fundamental questions about his fitness to serve as our nation's top law enforcement officer," said Alliance for Justice President Nan Aron.

As attorney general, Gonzales has primary responsibility for interpreting and enforcing our nation's laws-a charge requiring genuine independence and an unequivocal commitment to the rule of law. Gonzales has not sufficiently demonstrated that he possesses these attributes.

"His confirmation to the post of attorney general does not avert the need for an independent investigation into the facts surrounding the torture and prison abuse scandal. If Gonzales is truly independent from the Bush White House, he will staunchly support such an independent investigation," continued Aron.

Alliance for Justice continues to call for the establishment of an independent, bipartisan commission to investigate the holding and interrogation of detainees as proof of the United States' continued commitment to justice, human rights and the rule of law.

As attorney general, Gonzales will also play a large role in selecting nominees to the federal bench. "As White House counsel, Gonzales established his willingness to sacrifice a fair and independent judiciary for the White House's political agenda by aiding in the selection of highly controversial nominees," said Aron. "His choice to evade questions during his Senate hearing gives no indication that he will act independently to preserve the integrity of the judiciary by putting forth consensus, moderate nominees."

Alliance for Justice praises those fair-minded senators who realized that the United States deserves better in its top law enforcement officer and voted to reject Gonzales' nomination.

"It's important to note that 36 senators rejected his nomination, sending a strong signal that Gonzales would have significant hurdles to overcome in attaining confirmation to a lifetime seat on the Supreme Court," concluded Aron.

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