Padilla Decision Sends Clear Message that Bush Administration is Not Beyond the Law

Amnesty International USA: Padilla Decision Sends Clear Message that Bush Administration is Not Beyond the Law

2/28/2005 8:32:00 PM

To: National Desk

Contact: Edward Jackson of Amnesty International USA, 202-544-0200 ext. 247

WASHINGTON, Feb. 28 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Jumana Musa, advocacy director for Domestic Human Rights and International Justice, released the following statement regarding the U.S. Federal Court decision requiring that Jose Padilla be charged or released in 45 days:

"This decision is a victory for basic freedoms and the rule of law. It confirms well-established principles under U.S. and international law that prohibit the arbitrary detention of anyone without charge or trial. This is another rejection of the premise pushed by the Bush administration claiming absolute power of the executive. Judge Floyd has now joined the chorus of voices repudiating the policy of indefinite detention at the sole, unreviewable discretion of the president, sending the message that this administration is not beyond the law."

For more information on AIUSA's work please visit: http://www.amnestyusa.org

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