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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
CONTACT: Congressman Dennis Kucinich Nathan White
(202)225-5871 |
Kucinich Challenges Sec. Gates on Civilian Casualties in Afghanistan
WASHINGTON - February 23 - Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH), a vocal critic of the war in Afghanistan, yesterday wrote to Defense Secretary Robert Gates demanding information on the decision-making process and the underlying intelligence that led to a NATO attack on a civilian convoy. Media reports indicate that 27 civilians were killed, including women and children and many more were injured.
“The
U.S. government has an obligation to protect civilians under
international law. As Secretary of Defense, you have an obligation to
ensure that all military operations conducted in Afghanistan are
conducted in accordance to such laws...
“Please
provide information about the events leading up to the air strike … a
detailed description of how it was determined that the civilians
traveling by minibus were Taliban insurgents, and the protocol for
ordering this airstrike and all other airstrikes,” wrote Kucinich in
the letter.
Kucinich
demanded a response within two weeks, citing “the gravity of the
situation and the tragic loss of life.” Kucinich added, “The United
States must demonstrate a clear commitment to protecting civilian lives
in Afghanistan, and the results of this investigation are vital to
ensure that an adequate system of oversight and accountability is in
place.”
Kucinich
warned, “If necessary, I will direct the request for information via a
Resolution of Inquiry in the House of Representatives.” A Resolution
of Inquiry is a procedure to force a House vote to force the release of
documents from the Executive Branch. Under House Rules, a Resolution
of Inquiry must be referred to committee and acted upon within 14
legislative days.
Read the full letter here.
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Show AllGood form Dennis. There has got to be accountability for the deaths of human beings by our military, especially innocent civilians.
An investigation into the killings of these 27 civilians should lead to criminal charges. Once the world sees that we take justice at it's word, we will be more respected and our goals will be more easily obtained.
Gates put forth this nonsense about how the Taliban is using civilians as shields. I would like to see Kucinich ask Gates and McChrystal if the Taliban was using these 27 innocent civilians as shields - when there were no Taliban in sight.
Hold the military's feet to the fire - or else no one else will.