AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL USA
PRESS RELEASE

February 1, 2007

(Washington, DC) - Larry Cox, Amnesty International USA's executive director, issued the following statement in response to today's verdict in the case of Muhammad Salah:

"Despite the jury's generally favorable verdict, Amnesty International is deeply concerned that evidence likely obtained by the use of torture even entered the courtroom. The U.S. government's case against Salah was mainly based on statements he made while in Israeli custody 14 years ago when interrogation techniques that amount to torture were considered legal by the authorities. Salah alleged that he was coerced into signing false confessions as a result of torture by Israeli officials.

"The jury's rejection of the confessions in this case will hopefully deter government prosecutors from trying to obtain convictions based on questionable evidence. From the cages of Guantanamo to a Chicago courtroom, the use of torture to persecute and prosecute is intolerable."

Contact: Sharon Singh (202) 544-0200 ext. 302

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