William Fisher

William Fisher writes for Inter Press Service.

No Sunset for Sweeping PATRIOT Act Powers?

The USA PATRIOT Act, rushed into law by a panicky U.S. Congress in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of Sep. 11, 2001, gave the government broad surveillance powers to spy on innocent citizens. But it also stipulated that three of its more controversial provisions should expire next month unless reapproved by lawmakers. And it … Continue reading “No Sunset for Sweeping PATRIOT Act Powers?”

Govt Lawyers Seek to Quash Rendition Lawsuit

The long road to the proverbial day in court just got longer for five men who claim they were "disappeared" and tortured by the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency. The men, who say they were victims of the extraordinary rendition program conducted during the administration of president George W. Bush, have been trying since 2007 to … Continue reading “Govt Lawyers Seek to Quash Rendition Lawsuit”

Another Legal Setback for Arar Torture Case

A federal appeals court on Monday dismissed a lawsuit brought against a former U.S. attorney general by a Canadian citizen who sought damages for being unlawfully detained by U.S. authorities in New York and then secretly shipped to Syria, where he was imprisoned for a year and claims he was tortured. The court concluded that … Continue reading “Another Legal Setback for Arar Torture Case”

Lawsuit Probes Role of Psychologists in Terror War

The state board responsible for licensing – and disciplining – psychologists in Louisiana is accused of turning a blind eye to serious allegations of abuse against one of its members, including complicity in beatings, religious and sexual humiliation, rape threats, and painful body positions during his service as a senior adviser on interrogations for the … Continue reading “Lawsuit Probes Role of Psychologists in Terror War”

Obama Urged to Fully Comply With Anti-Torture Treaty

The fifteenth anniversary of the U.S. ratification of the United Nations Convention Against Torture passed last week with little fanfare and virtually no press attention from the mainstream media. But according to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), "U.S. policy continues to fall short of ensuring full compliance with the treaty." For example, the organization … Continue reading “Obama Urged to Fully Comply With Anti-Torture Treaty”

New Bagram Rules More of the Same?

Human rights activists and legal experts reacted swiftly Monday to disclosures that the U.S. government is planning to introduce new measures it claims would give inmates at Afghanistan’s notorious Bagram prison more opportunities to challenge their detention. Their views range from cautious optimism to total condemnation. There are some 600-plus prisoners being held at the … Continue reading “New Bagram Rules More of the Same?”

Some Guantánamo Prisoners Fight Release

As 13 prisoners held at the U.S. naval Base at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba appeared set to finally win their freedom, others are asking their release to be deferred. The problem is that some of those cleared for release fear they will be tortured if they are transferred to other countries, in some cases their home … Continue reading “Some Guantánamo Prisoners Fight Release”

Rendition Victim Still Seeking Justice

Thwarted by U.S. courts, a German citizen who claims he was "rendered" by the U.S. and secretly detained and tortured for four months is taking his case to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. The IACHR has accepted a petition filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) on behalf of Khaled El-Masri. It asks … Continue reading “Rendition Victim Still Seeking Justice”

Cleared for Release, but Still at Gitmo

Since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled last year that inmates at Guantanamo Bay have a right to go to federal court to challenge their detention, detainees have filed more than 150 such lawsuits. Thirty-five of these cases have now been completed. And of these, federal judges have ruled that 29 prisoners are being unlawfully detained. … Continue reading “Cleared for Release, but Still at Gitmo”

Group Charges Complicity by CIA Medics in Torture

Did physicians and psychologists help the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency develop a new research protocol to assess and refine the use of waterboarding or other harsh interrogation techniques? This is the question being raised in a new report by a leading human rights organization. The group says that, if confirmed, it would likely constitute a … Continue reading “Group Charges Complicity by CIA Medics in Torture”