Hamdan v. Rumsfeld
The America We Believe in Would Preserve Fair Trials and
Humane Treatment
Recently the Supreme Court struck down the President’s Military Commissions and restored minimum Geneva Conventions protections to people in US custody, but now the President has asked Congress to authorize military commissions proceedings similar to those that were struck down. Act urgently to tell Congress to uphold fair trials and ensure those involved in human rights abuses are held accountable.
In a historic decision on June 29th, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the military commissions at the U.S. Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay and affirmed the protections in Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions which ensures fair trial standards and prohibits torture and other inhuman treatment. Congress is now considering a range of options to legislate military tribunals that will comply with the Court's decision. This page serves as a resource for education and action to urge compliance with U.S. and international law regarding treatment of detainees and fair trials.
Statement on Interrogation Practices (PDF)
Download the statement by twenty former interrogators telling Congress that torture, abuse and ill-treatment are unnecessary to win the U.S.-led "war on terror."
Background: Hamdan Decision
Follow the history of the military commissions at Guantánamo Bay from President Bush's 2001 executive order establishing the commissions to the historic Supreme Court ruling on June 29th, 2006, which struck down the commissions, ensured fair trial standards and affirmed the prohibition against torture and inhuman treatment for detainees.
Fair Trial Standards
Learn about the international standards of fairness by which any trial, whatever the status of the person being tried, must be carried out.
Framework for Closing
Guantanamo
Amnesty International was among the first to call for the closure of Guántanamo. Read the details of its recommendations for an alternative to continued detentions at Guantánamo.
Speaking Out
Many individuals and groups, from former U.S. Army interrogators to families who lost loved ones in the 9/11 attacks, have written to key Senators and Representatives. Join them in speaking out, and read their letters below (in PDF format).
9/11 Families
Gen. Colin L. Powell (Ret.)
Gen. John W. Vessey (Ret.)
Major Gen. Scott C. Black
Retired Navy and Marine Officers
Retired Military Officers
Former U.S. Army Interrogators
Retired Federal Judges
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Our group letter (Senate)
Our group letter (House)
