U.S. anti-terror law concerns Red Cross

[TechBear_Seattle]

U.S. anti-terror law concerns Red Cross

...

"Our preliminary reading of the new legislation raises certain concerns and questions," said Jakob Kellenberger, president of the Red Cross.

"The very broad definition of who is an 'unlawful enemy combatant' and the fact that there is not an explicit prohibition on the admission of evidence attained by coercion are examples," he said.

Kellenberger said the Red Cross would discuss its concerns with the Bush administration, such as how the law "omits certain violations from the list of acts that are war crimes under U.S. domestic law."

"These include the prohibition of outrages upon personal dignity, in particular humiliating and degrading treatment, and the prohibition of the denial of the right to a fair trial, which is a basic protection provided for in international law," Kellenberger said.

The full article can be read at http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061019/ap_on_re_eu/red_cross_terrorism

[Kagemusha]

1. Good luck with that. Get back to us when Cheney agrees with you.

Oh, that means you'll never get back to us? Ever?

[Solly Mack]

2. Yeah...a lot people have concerns...but no one is doing anything about it

so those with the power to take some action can feel good about themselves later by reminding people "We voiced concerns"

Sorry...just a teeny tiny bit bitter.

Yeah, yeah...I know all about the IIRC policy of neutrality

ho hum...

[Up2Late]

3. Red Cross lambasts US terror law (BBC News)

Thursday, 19 October 2006, 22:39 GMT 23:39 UK

Red Cross lambasts US terror law

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has expressed concern over a newly-approved US anti-terrorism law.

ICRC President Jakob Kellenberger said the law raised "questions" about its compliance with the Geneva Conventions on the conduct of war. He said some points had been ommitted, such as the right to a fair trial and the ban on humiliating and degrading treatment of prisoners.

President Bush signed the law on Tuesday, saying it would say US lives.

The Military Commissions Act of 2006 sets standards for the interrogation and prosecution of foreign terror suspects held by the US. The law aims to enshrine defendants' human rights, but still restricts their right to challenge their detention.

(more at link) <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6068394.stm>