• Press Release

AIUSA Statement on Tonight’s Republican Presidential Debate

December 16, 2015

AIUSA Statement on Tonight's Republican Presidential Debate

In response to remarks made during tonight's Republican presidential debate, Margaret Huang, Interim Executive Director of Amnesty International USA, issued the following statement:

"Anti-Muslim and anti-refugee rhetoric was on full display at tonight's debate. Dehumanizing people because of their religion or ethnicity could lead the U.S. to return to the worst chapters of its history, including internment.

"Multiple candidates tonight eagerly expressed support for 'carpet-bombing' entire areas. That's a war crime.

"We heard support for indiscriminate bombing that would cause the 'death of thousands of innocent children and civilians.' It's outrageous and unlawful.

"Political figures across the spectrum must reject this kind of rhetoric. It caters to the worst instincts of ethnic and religious prejudice, which time and time again has led to tragic results."