Job Opening: Associate Director at the National Radio Project
Posted: 09 Apr 2008 04:49 PM CDT
National Radio Project / Making Contact seeks a person with a passion for organizational development and fundraising, networking, growing their leadership talents, and creating a world where peace and social justice are paramount.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Together with the Executive Director, lead development activities:
* Manage grassroots fundraising efforts to build upon our solid base of individual donors including: mail campaigns, major donor stewardship, house parties, engagement of volunteers, board members and staff in fundraising
* Manage electronic outreach and fundraising and tap into the potential of online resource development
* Develop written materials for publicity and fundraising
* Build upon our relationships with institutional funders
2. Together with the ED, manage some of the day-to-day administration of the organization:
* Co-create the organizational budget and development plan
* Supervise and engage volunteers and contractors involved in outreach, marketing and station relations
* Financial administration including: Maintain records of payroll, workers comp and insurance, and the filing state and federal forms
3. Inspire staff and community members. Be an effective leader, advocate and ambassador for the organization and the overall independent media sector
Skills and experience: Tell us what you’ve got. The candidates for this position may come from a variety of settings and experiences.
Compensation: Salary DOE plus generous healthcare and vacation package.
FT: This is a full-time position at our office in downtown Oakland, CA. We offer a flexible schedule and some off-site hours.
National Radio Project is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, sexual preference, disability, national origin, religion, or economic status.
HOW TO APPLY:
Please email your resume, a cover letter detailing the reasons why you are an excellent fit for this position, list three references that can speak to your abilities, and include a writing sample (e.g. proposal, report, article).
email to: lrudman[at]radioproject.org
APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED NOW. POSITION OPEN UNTIL FILLED.
Friday, April 11, 2008
From Airwaves and Liberty: Oaxacan Journalists Murdered
Community Radio Activists Murdered in Oaxaca
Posted: 10 Apr 2008 11:07 AM CDT
April 7th, 2008. Oaxaca, Mexico.
Two indigenous triqui women who worked at the community radio station La Voz que Rompe el Silencio (The Voice that Breaks the Silence), in the autonomous municipality of San Juan Copala (Mixteca region), were shot and murdered while on their way to Oaxaca city to participate in the State Forum for the Defense of the Rights of the Peoples of Oaxaca. Three other people were injured.
According to the State Attorney General, the victims are Teresa Bautista Merino (24 years old) and Felicitas Martinez Sanchez (20 years old).
Francisco Vasquez Martinez (30 years old), his wife Cristina Martinez Flores (22 years old), and their son Jaciel Vasquez Martinez (three years old) were also injured in the attack.
According to prelimary reports, the women had left the station, which is part of the Network of Indigenous Community Radio Stations of the Southeast (Red de Radios Comunitarias Indigenas del Sureste), around 1:00 PM. They were travelling in a truck on their way to Oaxaca city, but were ambushed on the outskirts of the community Llano Juarez.
The two community radio activists were supposed to coordinate the working group for Community and Alternative Communication: Community Radio, Video, Press, and Internet, at the State Forum for the Defense of the Rights of the People of Oaxaca, which was to begin the today (Wednesday) in the auditorium of Seccion 22 of the teachers union in Oaxaca.
The Center for Community Support Working Together (CACTUS as the spanish acronym) released a communique denouncing the murders and demanding that the state authorities investigate and punish those responsible for the crime.
The state attorney general said that 20 bullet shells, caliber 7.62, were found at the site of the murders, along with other arms including an AK-47.
People are encouraged to contact their local embassies and consulates (or to organize demonstrations at their local embassies and consulates) to express their condemnation of this paramilitary repression of indigenous women and community media projects.
Posted: 10 Apr 2008 11:07 AM CDT
April 7th, 2008. Oaxaca, Mexico.
Two indigenous triqui women who worked at the community radio station La Voz que Rompe el Silencio (The Voice that Breaks the Silence), in the autonomous municipality of San Juan Copala (Mixteca region), were shot and murdered while on their way to Oaxaca city to participate in the State Forum for the Defense of the Rights of the Peoples of Oaxaca. Three other people were injured.
According to the State Attorney General, the victims are Teresa Bautista Merino (24 years old) and Felicitas Martinez Sanchez (20 years old).
Francisco Vasquez Martinez (30 years old), his wife Cristina Martinez Flores (22 years old), and their son Jaciel Vasquez Martinez (three years old) were also injured in the attack.
According to prelimary reports, the women had left the station, which is part of the Network of Indigenous Community Radio Stations of the Southeast (Red de Radios Comunitarias Indigenas del Sureste), around 1:00 PM. They were travelling in a truck on their way to Oaxaca city, but were ambushed on the outskirts of the community Llano Juarez.
The two community radio activists were supposed to coordinate the working group for Community and Alternative Communication: Community Radio, Video, Press, and Internet, at the State Forum for the Defense of the Rights of the People of Oaxaca, which was to begin the today (Wednesday) in the auditorium of Seccion 22 of the teachers union in Oaxaca.
The Center for Community Support Working Together (CACTUS as the spanish acronym) released a communique denouncing the murders and demanding that the state authorities investigate and punish those responsible for the crime.
The state attorney general said that 20 bullet shells, caliber 7.62, were found at the site of the murders, along with other arms including an AK-47.
People are encouraged to contact their local embassies and consulates (or to organize demonstrations at their local embassies and consulates) to express their condemnation of this paramilitary repression of indigenous women and community media projects.
From Airwaves and Liberty: NLGJA’s Excellence in Journalism Awards
Call for Applications for Journalism Awards & Hall of Fame
More information and applications: www.nlgja.org
Posted: 08 Apr 2008 05:01 PM CDT
Nominations are now being accepted for NLGJA’s Excellence in Journalism Awards and for the LGBT Journalists Hall of Fame. Don’t miss your opportunity to shine a national spotlight on journalists and the work of journalists - past and present - that exemplify fair and accurate coverage of the LGBT community.
Excellence in Journalism Awards
Consider submitting your work for NLGJA’s Excellence in Journalism Awards in the following categories:
* Journalist of the Year Award
* Sarah Pettit Memorial Award for Excellence in LGBT Media
* Excellence in News Writing Award, Sponsored by Hearst Newspapers
* Excellence in Feature Writing Award, Sponsored by Hearst Newspapers
* Excellence in Writing Award Opinion/Editorial, Sponsored by Hearst Newspapers
* NLGJA/Seigenthaler Excellence in Network Television Award
* NLGJA/Seigenthaler Excellence in Local Television Award
* NLGJA/Seigenthaler Excellence in Radio Award
* NLGJA/RTNDA Excellence in Online Journalism Award
* Excellence in Photojournalism Award
* Excellence in HIV/AIDS Coverage Award
* Excellence in Student Journalism Award
Initial broadcast/publication must have occurred between May 31, 2007 and April 30, 2008 for consideration.
There is a $500 cash award for first place in all categories except the Sarah Pettit Memorial Award for Excellence in LGBT Media and the Excellence in Student Journalism Award. First place winners in these categories receive $1,000.
Winners will be notified in early July 2008. Winners will be recognized during NLGJA Goes to Washington, our 2008 National Convention & 5th Annual LGBT Media Summit, to be held August 21-24 in Washington, DC.
Click here for more information and to download an application. Entries must arrive at NLGJA’s National Office no later than Friday, May 2, 2008.
LGBT Journalists Hall of Fame
The LGBT Journalists Hall of Fame was established in 2005 as part of NLGJA’s 15th Anniversary celebration. At that time, seven journalists were honored for their commitment, courage and dedication.
NLGJA is now seeking nominations for the 2008 class of the LGBT Journalists Hall of Fame. Nominations should include the candidate’s name and a brief statement of your reasons for considering this individual worthy of inclusion. We would also welcome the submission of any Web sites that provide background on the nominee.
To submit a nomination, e-mail NLGJA Deputy Executive Director Tom Avila at tavila@nlgja.org . Please use the subject line: Hall of Fame Nomination. Please include your name, phone and e-mail contact information in case members of the task force want to reach you for additional information.
The 2008 Hall of Fame inductees will be announced at NLGJA Goes to Washington, our 2008 National Convention & 5th Annual LGBT Media Summit, to be held August 21-24 in Washington, DC.
Nominations must be received no later than 5:00 PM PT, Monday, April 21, 2008.
Tom Avila
National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association
More information and applications: www.nlgja.org
Posted: 08 Apr 2008 05:01 PM CDT
Nominations are now being accepted for NLGJA’s Excellence in Journalism Awards and for the LGBT Journalists Hall of Fame. Don’t miss your opportunity to shine a national spotlight on journalists and the work of journalists - past and present - that exemplify fair and accurate coverage of the LGBT community.
Excellence in Journalism Awards
Consider submitting your work for NLGJA’s Excellence in Journalism Awards in the following categories:
* Journalist of the Year Award
* Sarah Pettit Memorial Award for Excellence in LGBT Media
* Excellence in News Writing Award, Sponsored by Hearst Newspapers
* Excellence in Feature Writing Award, Sponsored by Hearst Newspapers
* Excellence in Writing Award Opinion/Editorial, Sponsored by Hearst Newspapers
* NLGJA/Seigenthaler Excellence in Network Television Award
* NLGJA/Seigenthaler Excellence in Local Television Award
* NLGJA/Seigenthaler Excellence in Radio Award
* NLGJA/RTNDA Excellence in Online Journalism Award
* Excellence in Photojournalism Award
* Excellence in HIV/AIDS Coverage Award
* Excellence in Student Journalism Award
Initial broadcast/publication must have occurred between May 31, 2007 and April 30, 2008 for consideration.
There is a $500 cash award for first place in all categories except the Sarah Pettit Memorial Award for Excellence in LGBT Media and the Excellence in Student Journalism Award. First place winners in these categories receive $1,000.
Winners will be notified in early July 2008. Winners will be recognized during NLGJA Goes to Washington, our 2008 National Convention & 5th Annual LGBT Media Summit, to be held August 21-24 in Washington, DC.
Click here for more information and to download an application. Entries must arrive at NLGJA’s National Office no later than Friday, May 2, 2008.
LGBT Journalists Hall of Fame
The LGBT Journalists Hall of Fame was established in 2005 as part of NLGJA’s 15th Anniversary celebration. At that time, seven journalists were honored for their commitment, courage and dedication.
NLGJA is now seeking nominations for the 2008 class of the LGBT Journalists Hall of Fame. Nominations should include the candidate’s name and a brief statement of your reasons for considering this individual worthy of inclusion. We would also welcome the submission of any Web sites that provide background on the nominee.
To submit a nomination, e-mail NLGJA Deputy Executive Director Tom Avila at tavila@nlgja.org . Please use the subject line: Hall of Fame Nomination. Please include your name, phone and e-mail contact information in case members of the task force want to reach you for additional information.
The 2008 Hall of Fame inductees will be announced at NLGJA Goes to Washington, our 2008 National Convention & 5th Annual LGBT Media Summit, to be held August 21-24 in Washington, DC.
Nominations must be received no later than 5:00 PM PT, Monday, April 21, 2008.
Tom Avila
National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Ivestigative Reporters and Editors Fellowships for Freelancers
Reminder: Deadline approaches for IRE's new fellowship awards for
freelance investigative journalists
Application postmark deadline: April 30, 2008
Freelance journalists looking to launch investigative projects have a
new source of financial support. IRE's Freelance Journalism
Fellowships will provide at least two freelance investigative
journalists at least $1,000 apiece to conduct their projects. (The
number and amount of fellowships is dependent upon how much income the
fellowship fund generates.) Fellowship winners will be announced in
June.
The 2008 applications will be scrutinized by three experienced
freelance journalists; they are ineligible for the fellowships while
serving on the committee. Proposals will be judged in part on the
breadth, significance and potential impact of the investigative
project. For more information on the fellowships, and to download an
application form, please see:
www.ire.org/training/fellowships
Questions? Please contact IRE staff member John Green via telephone
(573-882-2772) or email (jgreen@ire.org).
Regards,
John
freelance investigative journalists
Application postmark deadline: April 30, 2008
Freelance journalists looking to launch investigative projects have a
new source of financial support. IRE's Freelance Journalism
Fellowships will provide at least two freelance investigative
journalists at least $1,000 apiece to conduct their projects. (The
number and amount of fellowships is dependent upon how much income the
fellowship fund generates.) Fellowship winners will be announced in
June.
The 2008 applications will be scrutinized by three experienced
freelance journalists; they are ineligible for the fellowships while
serving on the committee. Proposals will be judged in part on the
breadth, significance and potential impact of the investigative
project. For more information on the fellowships, and to download an
application form, please see:
www.ire.org/training/fellowships
Questions? Please contact IRE staff member John Green via telephone
(573-882-2772) or email (jgreen@ire.org
Regards,
John
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Story Assignment: Endangered Wales Sacrificed to Big Oil?
From the CommonDreams.org Newswire
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 8, 2008
12:58 PM
CONTACT: Center for Biological Diversity
Brendan Cummings, (760) 366-2232, x 304
Oil Drilling to Hit Heart of Right Whale Habitat in Bering Sea:
World’s Most Endangered Whale Will Be Sacrificed to Oil Companies
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA - April 8 - The Bush administration today took the first step toward opening up 5.6 million acres in the Bering Sea off Alaska to oil and gas leasing. The proposal, published in today’s Federal Register by the Department of the Interior’s Minerals Management Service, would allow oil development in an area north of the Aleutian Islands near Bristol Bay that has been designated critical habitat for the North Pacific right whale.
The North Pacific right whale, once ranging from California to Alaska and across the North Pacific to Russia and Japan, was decimated by commercial whaling and is now the most endangered large whale in the world. Perhaps fewer than 50 individuals remain in a population that visits the Bering Sea each summer to feed.
“Drilling in Bristol Bay would be drilling through the heart of the most important habitat of the most endangered whale on the planet,” said Brendan Cummings, oceans program director at the Center for Biological Diversity. “If the North Pacific right whale is to have any chance of survival, we must protect its critical habitat, not auction it off to oil companies.”
In July 2006, approximately 36,000 square miles of the Bering Sea were designated as critical habitat for the right whale under the Endangered Species Act. The designation came as a result of a lawsuit brought by the Center for Biological Diversity. More than half of the area proposed today for leasing is within right whale critical habitat.
Ironically, the leasing proposal was made the very same day that a different federal agency, the National Marine Fisheries Service, published a final rule in the Federal Register that reaffirms the designation of portions of the lease area as critical habitat for the North Pacific right whale. Last month the Fisheries Service formally recognized the North Pacific right whale as a distinct species under the Endangered Species Act; previously the whale had been considered the same species as right whales in the North Atlantic. Today’s critical habitat designation protects the same areas in the Bering Sea as the 2006 designation of critical habitat, but transfers this habitat protection to the newly recognized North Pacific right whale.
“Unfortunately, for the right whale it’s one step forward, two steps back,” said Cummings. “One branch of the federal government is acting to protect the critical habitat of the North Pacific right whale, while another branch is simultaneously proposing to destroy it.”
Today’s contradictory government pronouncements in the Federal Register are reminiscent of the Minerals Management Service’s recent decision to lease important polar bear habitat in the Chukchi Sea at the same time another federal agency, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, was considering protecting the polar bear under the Endangered Species Act. Both the Minerals Management Service and the Fish and Wildlife Service are in the Department of the Interior under Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne. Secretary Kempthorne chose to delay protection for the polar bear until after the Chukchi lease sale was held. The polar bear listing has yet to be finalized and is in litigation.
Listing and critical habitat decisions for the right whale are under the jurisdiction of the National Marine Fisheries Service, which is in the Department of Commerce rather than the Department of the Interior. The new listing and critical habitat designations for the North Pacific right whale were only issued following petitions and litigation by the Center for Biological Diversity, and would, if the administration complies with the Endangered Species Act, likely prevent the proposed lease sale from going forward.
“By finally affording the North Pacific right whale the full protections of the Endangered Species Act to which it is legally entitled and so desperately needs, this critically imperiled whale has a real chance of recovery,” added Cummings. “But we must not throw away the right whale’s chances of recovery in furtherance of our addiction to oil.”
Under today’s leasing proposal, the North Aleutian Basin lease sale would be held in 2011. In addition to containing critical habitat for the North Pacific right whale, the North Aleutian Basin is important habitat for Pacific walrus, ribbon seals, humpback and beluga whales, and numerous species of seabirds. It also supports some of the largest commercial salmon fisheries in the world. The North Aleutian Basin sale is one of eight lease sales in the federal waters off Alaska scheduled under the 2007-2012 Leasing Program approved by Secretary Kempthorne in June 2007. The Center for Biological Diversity filed a legal challenge to the leasing program in July 2007. That litigation is ongoing.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 8, 2008
12:58 PM
CONTACT: Center for Biological Diversity
Brendan Cummings, (760) 366-2232, x 304
Oil Drilling to Hit Heart of Right Whale Habitat in Bering Sea:
World’s Most Endangered Whale Will Be Sacrificed to Oil Companies
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA - April 8 - The Bush administration today took the first step toward opening up 5.6 million acres in the Bering Sea off Alaska to oil and gas leasing. The proposal, published in today’s Federal Register by the Department of the Interior’s Minerals Management Service, would allow oil development in an area north of the Aleutian Islands near Bristol Bay that has been designated critical habitat for the North Pacific right whale.
The North Pacific right whale, once ranging from California to Alaska and across the North Pacific to Russia and Japan, was decimated by commercial whaling and is now the most endangered large whale in the world. Perhaps fewer than 50 individuals remain in a population that visits the Bering Sea each summer to feed.
“Drilling in Bristol Bay would be drilling through the heart of the most important habitat of the most endangered whale on the planet,” said Brendan Cummings, oceans program director at the Center for Biological Diversity. “If the North Pacific right whale is to have any chance of survival, we must protect its critical habitat, not auction it off to oil companies.”
In July 2006, approximately 36,000 square miles of the Bering Sea were designated as critical habitat for the right whale under the Endangered Species Act. The designation came as a result of a lawsuit brought by the Center for Biological Diversity. More than half of the area proposed today for leasing is within right whale critical habitat.
Ironically, the leasing proposal was made the very same day that a different federal agency, the National Marine Fisheries Service, published a final rule in the Federal Register that reaffirms the designation of portions of the lease area as critical habitat for the North Pacific right whale. Last month the Fisheries Service formally recognized the North Pacific right whale as a distinct species under the Endangered Species Act; previously the whale had been considered the same species as right whales in the North Atlantic. Today’s critical habitat designation protects the same areas in the Bering Sea as the 2006 designation of critical habitat, but transfers this habitat protection to the newly recognized North Pacific right whale.
“Unfortunately, for the right whale it’s one step forward, two steps back,” said Cummings. “One branch of the federal government is acting to protect the critical habitat of the North Pacific right whale, while another branch is simultaneously proposing to destroy it.”
Today’s contradictory government pronouncements in the Federal Register are reminiscent of the Minerals Management Service’s recent decision to lease important polar bear habitat in the Chukchi Sea at the same time another federal agency, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, was considering protecting the polar bear under the Endangered Species Act. Both the Minerals Management Service and the Fish and Wildlife Service are in the Department of the Interior under Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne. Secretary Kempthorne chose to delay protection for the polar bear until after the Chukchi lease sale was held. The polar bear listing has yet to be finalized and is in litigation.
Listing and critical habitat decisions for the right whale are under the jurisdiction of the National Marine Fisheries Service, which is in the Department of Commerce rather than the Department of the Interior. The new listing and critical habitat designations for the North Pacific right whale were only issued following petitions and litigation by the Center for Biological Diversity, and would, if the administration complies with the Endangered Species Act, likely prevent the proposed lease sale from going forward.
“By finally affording the North Pacific right whale the full protections of the Endangered Species Act to which it is legally entitled and so desperately needs, this critically imperiled whale has a real chance of recovery,” added Cummings. “But we must not throw away the right whale’s chances of recovery in furtherance of our addiction to oil.”
Under today’s leasing proposal, the North Aleutian Basin lease sale would be held in 2011. In addition to containing critical habitat for the North Pacific right whale, the North Aleutian Basin is important habitat for Pacific walrus, ribbon seals, humpback and beluga whales, and numerous species of seabirds. It also supports some of the largest commercial salmon fisheries in the world. The North Aleutian Basin sale is one of eight lease sales in the federal waters off Alaska scheduled under the 2007-2012 Leasing Program approved by Secretary Kempthorne in June 2007. The Center for Biological Diversity filed a legal challenge to the leasing program in July 2007. That litigation is ongoing.
Story Assignment: ACLU Tries to Take John Ashcroft to Court
From the CommonDreams.org Newswire:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 8, 2008
12:25 PM
CONTACT: ACLU
Maria Archuleta, ACLU, (212) 519-7808 or 549-2666;
media@aclu.org
ACLU Argues That Ashcroft Can Be Held Accountable for Wrongful Detention
Government Cannot Use Material Witness Statute to Detain People As Suspects, Says ACLU
SEATTLE - April 8 - The American Civil Liberties Union is arguing today in the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit that former Attorney General John Ashcroft can be held personally responsible for the wrongful detention of an innocent American, Abdullah al-Kidd. The ACLU is also arguing that the federal material witness law cannot be used to preventively detain or investigate suspects without sufficient evidence that they have actually committed crimes.
“Former Attorney General Ashcroft championed the use of the federal material witness law to circumvent the American traditions of fairness and due process,” said ACLU Immigrants’ Rights Project senior staff attorney Lee Gelernt. “He shouldn’t escape liability after personally creating and overseeing the policy of deliberately misusing the statute.”
Prior to 9/11, the federal material witness law was used sparingly - especially with U.S. citizens - to ensure that witnesses would be available to testify in criminal cases. Arrests, under the statute, took place in rare cases to secure testimony where there was hard evidence that an individual had material information but would not testify voluntarily. After 9/11, Ashcroft distorted the law into a preventative detention statute, allowing the government to arrest and detain individuals for whom the government lacked probable cause to charge with criminal violations.
The appellate court hearing in al-Kidd v. Ashcroft comes after a U.S. district court in 2006 found that the material witness law may only be used when an individual is genuinely sought as a witness and where there is a real risk of flight. The court also ruled that the law does not allow an end-run around the constitutional requirements for arresting someone suspected of a crime.
Former Attorney General John Ashcroft appealed the ruling and has asked for immunity from liability.
Al-Kidd is a U.S.-born American citizen who was unlawfully arrested and detained on March 16, 2003. Al-Kidd was on his way to Saudi Arabia to study when he was arrested in Washington’s Dulles Airport as a material witness in the trial of Sami Omar Al-Hussayen. For 16 days, al-Kidd was held in heightened-security units of various jails and shackled whenever moved. Eventually al-Kidd was released under onerous conditions that included confining his travel to four states, surrendering his passport and reporting to probation officers. He was held for more than 13 months under these conditions without ever being asked to testify or being charged with any crime.
At the time of his arrest, al-Kidd had already shown that he was not a flight risk and would cooperate as a witness. He had voluntarily met with the FBI repeatedly, never missing a scheduled appointment. For six months prior to his arrest, al- Kidd had not been contacted by the FBI, and he had never been told that he was prohibited from traveling abroad to pursue his studies.
The ACLU lawsuit names former Attorney General John Ashcroft, the United States, several federal agents and local officials in Virginia, Oklahoma and Idaho.
Organizations and individuals who have submitted friend-of-the-court briefs in the case include former federal prosecutors, former presidents of the American Bar Association, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and Human Rights Watch.
Attorneys on the case are Gelernt, Robin Goldfaden and Lucas Guttentag from the ACLU Immigrants’ Rights Project; Jack Van Valkenburgh from the ACLU of Idaho; Cynthia Woolley from the Law Offices of Cynthia J. Woolley, PLLC; R. Keith Roark from the Roark Law Firm, LLP; Kathleen Elliot from Hampton & Elliott; and Michael J. Wishnie from Yale Law School who is cooperating counsel for the ACLU.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 8, 2008
12:25 PM
CONTACT: ACLU
Maria Archuleta, ACLU, (212) 519-7808 or 549-2666;
media@aclu.org
ACLU Argues That Ashcroft Can Be Held Accountable for Wrongful Detention
Government Cannot Use Material Witness Statute to Detain People As Suspects, Says ACLU
SEATTLE - April 8 - The American Civil Liberties Union is arguing today in the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit that former Attorney General John Ashcroft can be held personally responsible for the wrongful detention of an innocent American, Abdullah al-Kidd. The ACLU is also arguing that the federal material witness law cannot be used to preventively detain or investigate suspects without sufficient evidence that they have actually committed crimes.
“Former Attorney General Ashcroft championed the use of the federal material witness law to circumvent the American traditions of fairness and due process,” said ACLU Immigrants’ Rights Project senior staff attorney Lee Gelernt. “He shouldn’t escape liability after personally creating and overseeing the policy of deliberately misusing the statute.”
Prior to 9/11, the federal material witness law was used sparingly - especially with U.S. citizens - to ensure that witnesses would be available to testify in criminal cases. Arrests, under the statute, took place in rare cases to secure testimony where there was hard evidence that an individual had material information but would not testify voluntarily. After 9/11, Ashcroft distorted the law into a preventative detention statute, allowing the government to arrest and detain individuals for whom the government lacked probable cause to charge with criminal violations.
The appellate court hearing in al-Kidd v. Ashcroft comes after a U.S. district court in 2006 found that the material witness law may only be used when an individual is genuinely sought as a witness and where there is a real risk of flight. The court also ruled that the law does not allow an end-run around the constitutional requirements for arresting someone suspected of a crime.
Former Attorney General John Ashcroft appealed the ruling and has asked for immunity from liability.
Al-Kidd is a U.S.-born American citizen who was unlawfully arrested and detained on March 16, 2003. Al-Kidd was on his way to Saudi Arabia to study when he was arrested in Washington’s Dulles Airport as a material witness in the trial of Sami Omar Al-Hussayen. For 16 days, al-Kidd was held in heightened-security units of various jails and shackled whenever moved. Eventually al-Kidd was released under onerous conditions that included confining his travel to four states, surrendering his passport and reporting to probation officers. He was held for more than 13 months under these conditions without ever being asked to testify or being charged with any crime.
At the time of his arrest, al-Kidd had already shown that he was not a flight risk and would cooperate as a witness. He had voluntarily met with the FBI repeatedly, never missing a scheduled appointment. For six months prior to his arrest, al- Kidd had not been contacted by the FBI, and he had never been told that he was prohibited from traveling abroad to pursue his studies.
The ACLU lawsuit names former Attorney General John Ashcroft, the United States, several federal agents and local officials in Virginia, Oklahoma and Idaho.
Organizations and individuals who have submitted friend-of-the-court briefs in the case include former federal prosecutors, former presidents of the American Bar Association, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and Human Rights Watch.
Attorneys on the case are Gelernt, Robin Goldfaden and Lucas Guttentag from the ACLU Immigrants’ Rights Project; Jack Van Valkenburgh from the ACLU of Idaho; Cynthia Woolley from the Law Offices of Cynthia J. Woolley, PLLC; R. Keith Roark from the Roark Law Firm, LLP; Kathleen Elliot from Hampton & Elliott; and Michael J. Wishnie from Yale Law School who is cooperating counsel for the ACLU.
Clinton Campaign Offers VIP Interviews
***MEDIA ADVISORY***
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 8, 2008
Contact: Cassie Trotter 202-797-9001
cassiet@qrsnews.com
Secretary Madeleine Albright and Mike McCurry
Available for Radio Interviews
Hillary Clinton Campaign Senior Advisors Madeleine Albright and Mike McCurry are available Wednesday for Radio Interviews. Both individuals will discuss their support for Hillary Clinton, the war in Iraq and the importance of making every vote count.
Availability
Madeleine Albright, Wednesday, April 9th: 7-8:15am EDT
Mike McCurry, Wednesday, April 9th: 8:00-9:00am EDT
Contact Cassie Trotter for available times and to schedule an interview:
(202) 797-9001
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 8, 2008
Contact: Cassie Trotter 202-797-9001
cassiet@qrsnews.com
Secretary Madeleine Albright and Mike McCurry
Available for Radio Interviews
Hillary Clinton Campaign Senior Advisors Madeleine Albright and Mike McCurry are available Wednesday for Radio Interviews. Both individuals will discuss their support for Hillary Clinton, the war in Iraq and the importance of making every vote count.
Availability
Madeleine Albright, Wednesday, April 9th: 7-8:15am EDT
Mike McCurry, Wednesday, April 9th: 8:00-9:00am EDT
Contact Cassie Trotter for available times and to schedule an interview:
(202) 797-9001
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
