Saturday, July 04, 2009

A petition to stop indefinite detention

The ACLU's letter:
Stop Indefinite Detention

A debate over the fundamental character of our democracy is heating up: whether or not we can imprison people for an indefinite amount of time without charging them with a crime and without holding trial.

We need everyone who believes in the Constitution and the American system of justice to let the President know that preserving our values and the rule of law is a top priority -- before indefinite detention becomes a reality.

Send President Obama a message. Let him know that -- whether through legislation or executive order -- you are firmly opposed to indefinite detention. We will also send the message to your members of Congress, letting them know of your concern.

The petition:
The debate over indefinite detention is heating up in Washington and I want you to know of my concerns. I believe that the administration is going down the wrong path in putting forth a policy which would indefinitely imprison individuals without charge or the chance of a trial, beginning with the detainees at Guantánamo Bay.

Indefinite detention is a violation of due process and the American principles of justice and fairness. Therefore, I urge you to reject any policy or proposal that would indefinitely imprison individuals without charge or the chance of a trial.

The issues surrounding the closing of Guantánamo are difficult and incredibly complex, but we cannot afford to go down a path that violates our own Constitution. I respectfully ask that you do what is in your power to reject indefinite detention -- whether through legislation or executive order.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

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