(Washington, DC) - Statement of Curt Goering, Senior Deputy Executive Director for Policy and Programs for Amnesty International USA, following today's Supreme Court decision not to hear Jose Padilla's appeal challenging the 4th Circuit's decision that the President had authority to hold Padilla as an 'enemy combatant':

"Amnesty International is very disappointed with today's Supreme Court decision not to review Mr. Padilla's appeal. It is very important to challenge the notion the president can at whim place individuals outside the protection of the law. The dangerous presidentially designated category of enemy combatants is both unconstitutional and contrary to the international legal obligations of the United States."

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