Demonstrators seek revision of terrorist detention act
More than 50 Occupy Louisville and other demonstrators Friday waved
signs, beat drums and gave speeches calling for the repeal of a new law
they fear could allow the U.S. government to jail its citizens without
charge.
The demonstration, held outside the federal courthouse downtown, was part of a national day of action against the National Defense Authorization Act, defense spending legislation that includes a provision authorizing indefinite detention of terrorism suspects without trial — and which critics worry could be used against U.S. citizens.
Demonstrators, who were targeting Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., for supporting the provision, said it threatens due-process rights.
“It’s a direct affront to our civil liberties under the guise of fighting terrorists,” said Brice Powers, who works in construction but joined the demonstration at lunchtime. “It’s very important that we repeal this.”
Since it became law last month, the provision has drawn opposition from groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union and Human Rights Watch, which argue that it could be abused.
Federal officials have said the law only reaffirms authority of the military that has existed since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. President Barack Obama said he had “serious reservations” when signing it into law but vowed that his administration would not authorize the indefinite military detention of American citizens.
McConnell spokesman Robert Steurer said the law was “supported by an overwhelming bipartisan majority of Congress” and “reaffirms what the Supreme Court has ruled — that the military has the right to detain enemy combatants who are members of al-Qaida. However, these people would still have the right to challenge their detention in federal civilian court via habeas corpus.”
But that wasn’t sufficient for the demonstrators on Broadway on Friday, who waved signs reading “Prison without proof” and “Keep your hands off our rights.” One man wore a Mitch McConnell mask, waving at passers-by who honked horns in support.
“This would not be a dangerous law if we trusted our government — but how many of you trust your government?” asked Christine Chadwick, of Louisville, to which the crowd responded, “No!”
The Occupy Louisville protesters said they were targeting McConnell because he voted for the bill. Rep. John Yarmuth, D-3rd District, and Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., opposed it.
One demonstrator — David Barfield, who is staying in a tent in Founder’s Square as part of the Occupy Louisville protest — said he hopes the demonstration will spark more people to support a repeal of the offending sections.
“We’re just average people, but I hope we can bring more attention to this,” Barfield said.
Source: http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20120203/NEWS01/302020106/Demonstrators-seek-revision-of-terrorist-detention-act?odyssey=tab|mostpopular|text|FRONTPAGE
The demonstration, held outside the federal courthouse downtown, was part of a national day of action against the National Defense Authorization Act, defense spending legislation that includes a provision authorizing indefinite detention of terrorism suspects without trial — and which critics worry could be used against U.S. citizens.
Demonstrators, who were targeting Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., for supporting the provision, said it threatens due-process rights.
“It’s a direct affront to our civil liberties under the guise of fighting terrorists,” said Brice Powers, who works in construction but joined the demonstration at lunchtime. “It’s very important that we repeal this.”
Since it became law last month, the provision has drawn opposition from groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union and Human Rights Watch, which argue that it could be abused.
Federal officials have said the law only reaffirms authority of the military that has existed since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. President Barack Obama said he had “serious reservations” when signing it into law but vowed that his administration would not authorize the indefinite military detention of American citizens.
McConnell spokesman Robert Steurer said the law was “supported by an overwhelming bipartisan majority of Congress” and “reaffirms what the Supreme Court has ruled — that the military has the right to detain enemy combatants who are members of al-Qaida. However, these people would still have the right to challenge their detention in federal civilian court via habeas corpus.”
But that wasn’t sufficient for the demonstrators on Broadway on Friday, who waved signs reading “Prison without proof” and “Keep your hands off our rights.” One man wore a Mitch McConnell mask, waving at passers-by who honked horns in support.
“This would not be a dangerous law if we trusted our government — but how many of you trust your government?” asked Christine Chadwick, of Louisville, to which the crowd responded, “No!”
The Occupy Louisville protesters said they were targeting McConnell because he voted for the bill. Rep. John Yarmuth, D-3rd District, and Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., opposed it.
One demonstrator — David Barfield, who is staying in a tent in Founder’s Square as part of the Occupy Louisville protest — said he hopes the demonstration will spark more people to support a repeal of the offending sections.
“We’re just average people, but I hope we can bring more attention to this,” Barfield said.
Source: http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20120203/NEWS01/302020106/Demonstrators-seek-revision-of-terrorist-detention-act?odyssey=tab|mostpopular|text|FRONTPAGE
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