Torture Survivors to Gather in DC, Oppose Use of Torture by US

[struggle4progress]

5 Will Give Testimony before Congressional Human Rights Caucus

To: Assignment Desk, Daybook Editor

Contact: Harold Nelson, 202-529-2991, or Sister Dianna Ortiz, 202-529-2991 or [e-mail], both of the Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Coalition International, Web site: http://www.tassc.org

News Advisory:

On Wednesday, June 23, survivors of torture from Argentina, Iraq, Nigeria, Philippines, Mexico and the United States will speak before the Congressional Human Rights Caucus, describing their experiences, and urging Congress to ensure all acts of torture committed by U.S. civilian or military personnel are recognized as torture, and investigated and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Survivors will also call upon Congress to increase U.S. efforts to end torture internationally. They will seek renewed U.S. support for torture victims' treatment centers and for the UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture, as well.

Survivors of torture from every continent around the world will gather in Washington DC to attend the Congressional hearing and other activities during "Survivors' Week," June 21 - June 27. Survivors' Week is sponsored by TASSC in commemoration of the United Nations International Day in Support of Torture Victims and Survivors (June 26). In the wake of confirmed reports of torture at Abu Ghraib prison by U.S. forces in Iraq, members of TASSC International reiterate their call for Zero Tolerance for Torture. TASSC seeks the prosecution of all persons responsible for detainee torture and abuse, throughout the chain of command. TASSC demands U.S. compliance with its responsibilities under the Geneva Conventions and the Convention Against Torture. TASSC urges reparations to the survivors and the families of the victims.

WHO: Dilkhwaz Ahmed (Iraqi Kurdistan), Robert Francis Garcma (Philippines), Anthony Ibeagha (Nigeria), Patrick Rice (Argentina), Macrina Cardenas (Mexico), and Dianna Ortiz (US/Guatemala)

WHAT: Testimony before the Congressional Human Rights Caucus

WHEN: Wednesday, June 23, 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

WHERE: 2255 Rayburn Office Bldg, Independence Ave. /S. Capitol St., SW Washington, D.C.

CONTACT: Harold Nelson, 202-529-2991 or [e-mail]

http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=117-06212004

[2Design]

1. wow....good

[struggle4progress]

2. Dianna Ortiz has been doing good work for years.

[Just Me]

3. I imagine the testimony will be quite heart-wrenching.

:cry:

We, humanity,...have such a long way to go, to evolve, into a truly civilized lot. The shit we still do to one another,...is simply beyond reprehensible.

[Trillo]

4. At least they're being offered an outlet

for the extreme frustration, dehumanization, and lack-of-justice that they must have felt. Warm thoughts from me directed to these torture victims, I hope they someday find peace.

[struggle4progress]

5. kick

:kick: