William Fisher

William Fisher writes for Inter Press Service.

Rights Groups Still Waiting for Obama to Deliver

While human rights and open-government groups are generally pleased with President Barack Obama’s rhetoric during his first 100 days, some are skeptical that he will deliver on his promises. Caroline Fredrickson, head of the Washington Legislative Office for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), told IPS that Obama’s first 100 days "are something of a … Continue reading “Rights Groups Still Waiting for Obama to Deliver”

Calls for Torture Inquiry Aren’t Going Away

A coalition of 19 human rights, faith-based and justice organizations is calling on President Barack Obama to investigate torture they charge was sanctioned by the administration of former President George W. Bush. The group, led by the National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT), is proposing both a special prosecutor and an "independent, non-partisan commission to … Continue reading “Calls for Torture Inquiry Aren’t Going Away”

Court Reins in ‘State Secrets’ Privilege

In what may become a landmark decision, a federal appeals court ruled Monday that the "state secrets privilege" – routinely used by the government to block lawsuits against its officials – can only be used to contest specific evidence, but not to dismiss an entire suit. The ruling, which was hailed by human rights advocates, … Continue reading “Court Reins in ‘State Secrets’ Privilege”

Dozens of CIA ‘Ghost Prisoners’ Missing

At least three dozen detainees who were held in the CIA’s secret prisons overseas appear to be missing – and efforts by human rights organizations to track their whereabouts have been unsuccessful. The story of these "ghost prisoners" was comprehensively documented last week by Pro Publica, an online investigative journalism group. In September 2007, Michael … Continue reading “Dozens of CIA ‘Ghost Prisoners’ Missing”

Courts Overrule Govt in Abuse and Detention Cases

As the debate heats up over what to do about recent disclosures of widespread abuse of war-on-terror prisoners, the “third branch” of the U.S. government — the judiciary — continues to assert its independence from the other two branches — the executive and the legislative. In one recent decision, a federal court has refused the … Continue reading “Courts Overrule Govt in Abuse and Detention Cases”

Lawyers’ Group Targets Torture Memo Author

Lawyers who reject President Barack Obama’s decision not to seek prosecution of officials who may have participated in the torture of terror-suspect prisoners are seeking justice through another avenue: Sanctions against government lawyers who created the "enhanced interrogation" policies of former President George W. Bush. Their first target is former Defense Department General Counsel William … Continue reading “Lawyers’ Group Targets Torture Memo Author”

Struggle Brews Over ‘Torture Memos’ Immunity

The Justice Department Thursday released four secret memos used by the George W. Bush administration to justify torture. The memos, produced by the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel (OLC), provided the legal framework for the CIA’s use of waterboarding and other illegal interrogation methods that violate domestic and international law. The disclosures were made … Continue reading “Struggle Brews Over ‘Torture Memos’ Immunity”