“Since the 9/11 terrorist attacks the U.S. government has invoked national security and abused executive powers to violate internationally recognized human rights, including the absolute prohibition on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. If the U.S. does not recognize its human rights obligations under international law, what reason do other governments have to uphold human rights?”
“If the U.S. refuses to comply with the universal human rights principles, what reason do other nations have to comply? Torture is counter productive and the indefinite detention of prisoners without trial does not make America safer.”
“America cannot hold itself as a moral beacon to the world if it violates the rule of law by engaging in illegal spying, torture and secrecy. The ACLU is committed to making sure that our government complies with universally recognized human rights principles and upholds our Constitution.”
“The ACLU is concerned about losing the bedrock of the U.S. system. Once you start to strip ... habeas corpus rights and the independence of the judiciary, it is a slippery slope, leaving the executive branch with excessive power.”
