Chicago City Council to Hold Hearings on Anti-Torture Resolution
What: Anti-Torture Resolution Press Conference and Hearing
When: Thursday January 12, 2012. Press Conference: 9:00 a.m.; Hearing: 10:00 a.m.
Where: Chicago City Hall, 2nd Floor.
Contact: Margaret Power at 773-209-0524
On January 12, 2012, the Chicago City Council will hold a hearing on a Resolution to oppose torture in Chicago, in prisons throughout Illinois, and around the world.
Alderman Joe Moore of the 49th ward introduced this resolution in November 2011. The Illinois Coalition Against Torture has collected over 3,500 signatures from Chicago, across the U.S., and around the world in support of this Resolution. When the resolution passes, Chicago will be the first city in the United States to officially oppose all forms of torture.
This Resolution requires that Mayor Emmanuel and the Chicago City Council stand firm against all forms of torture and inhumane treatment. It requests that Chicago officials publically declare their support for survivors of torture and hold all perpetrators of torture accountable.
The Resolution requires that Mayor Emmanuel and the City Council of the City of Chicago affirm that all prisoners under city, state or federal government control, both domestically and internationally, must have their human rights respected, including the right to be free from torture.
Speakers at the Press Conference and Hearing include:
U.S. Congressperson Danny Davis; Alderman Joe Moore; Sr. Benita Coffey, representing the National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT); Debra Erenberg, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for the Midwest; Mary Lynn Everson, Marjorie Kovler Center; Attorney Len Goodman; Mary L. Johnson, mother of a Burge torture victim and inmate at Tamms Correctional Center; Laurie Jo Reynolds, Tamms Year Ten; Attorney Flint Taylor; Mario Venegas, Chilean survivor of torture under Pinochet.
The Illinois Coalition Against Torture formed in December 2009 to oppose torture in the City of Chicago, throughout the State of Illinois, and by the U.S government.
