April, 04 2011, 03:17pm EDT
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Shonna Carter or David Lerner, Riptide Communications 212-2605000
Talat Hamdani, Peaceful Tomorrows, 631-655-8781
Â
Family Members of 9/11 Victims Express Profound Disappointment in Response to Announcement that Khalid Sheik Mohammed Will Be Tried on Guantanamo
WASHINGTON
Responding to news reports that Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, will be tried in a military commission at Guantanamo Bay, September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows released the following statement:
We are profoundly disappointed that Attorney General Holder has chosen the untested venue of military commissions on Guantanamo to try Khalid Sheik Mohammed, the alleged mastermind of the 9/11 attacks. As families of those who were murdered on that day, we have waited nearly ten years to see those who committed these savage criminal acts to be brought to justice. Military commissions have been embroiled in a series of legal challenges and we fully expect that this inadequate alternative to our well-tested federal court system will continue to delay our pursuit of justice.
We consider this to be a step backward in our hopes that justice will be served and a confirmation of our worst fears - that the shame of Guantanamo will continue. We believe in the values our nation stands for and we are proud of our system of Justice. It is our commitment to justice and the rule of law that keeps us free. By changing the rules for some, our country has succumbed to fear and prejudice and our Democracy has been demeaned in the process.
Peaceful Tomorrows is an organization founded by family members of those killed on September 11th who have united to turn our grief into action for peace. By developing and advocating nonviolent options and actions in the pursuit of justice, we hope to break the cycles of violence engendered by war and terrorism. Acknowledging our common experience with all people affected by violence throughout the world, we work to create a safer and more peaceful world for everyone.
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