US: Justice Dept. Brings First Charges for Torture Abroad

[kpete]

US: Justice Dept. Brings First Charges for Torture Abroad
06 Dec 2006 20:46:19 GMT

(New York, December 6, 2006) ? The US Department of Justice today took a major step against impunity for atrocities in bringing its first-ever criminal charges for torture committed outside the United States, Human Rights Watch said today. The Justice Department indicted Charles "Chuckie" Taylor, Jr., son of the former Liberian president and currently in custody in Miami, for torture committed in Liberia.

According to information and research by Human Rights Watch and other organizations, the Boston-born Chuckie Taylor, who is a US citizen, is linked to torture and war crimes committed in Liberia when he headed a security unit under the presidency of his father, Charles Taylor. Chuckie Taylor has been in federal custody in Miami since March 30 when he was arrested at Miami International Airport and charged with a passport violation.

"Today's first-ever charges for torture committed abroad are a crucial step by the US government to ensure justice for this crime," said Elise Keppler, counsel with Human Rights Watch's International Justice Program. "It is especially significant for Liberian victims of Chuckie Taylor's alleged abuses. After years of civil war, Liberia's justice system is in no shape to pursue this type of case."

more at:
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/HRW/5f027829ad4734a689bcc025d280d0d5.htm

[peacebird]

1. will they allow the CIA agents to be extradited to Italy to stand trial for rendition and torture?

THAT would ensure justice and would really be a "major step against impunity for atrocities"

nah - didn't think so....
:eyes:

[Solly Mack]

2. Ah - speaking of torture abroad

AhhhhchooGitmo....Ahhhhhchoosecret prisons

[katsy]

3. Great!

Set the precedent with the first ever trial.

Convict Taylor, then go after bush/rummy/cheney. Solid.

:bounce:

[Target_For_Exterm]

4. When are they going to indict Bush?

[Solly Mack]

5. kick