Vague Wording of Senate Defense Bill Called “Disaster” by Amnesty International

Monday, November 21, 2011
Human rights organizations and the Obama administration have deep concerns over language inserted into a defense authorization bill that they say would adversely impact civil liberties while handcuffing the Executive Branch’s ability to combat terrorism.
 
At issue is Section 1031 of the National Defense Authorization Bill (SB 1867) which would authorize the use of military force against any individual who has “substantially supported al-Qaeda, the Taliban, or associated forces that are engaged in hostilities against the United States or its coalition partners, including any person who has committed a belligerent act or has directly supported such hostilities in aid of such enemy forces.” It also authorizes “Detention under the law of war without trial until the end of the hostilities…”
 
Amnesty International has called the language a “disaster” and “extraordinarily vague,” allowing the government to go after “almost any militant Islamic group in existence from Indonesia to Nigeria,” including foreign political parties who share some of the militants’ ideas “but not their methods.”
 
They also claim the bill would virtually make any location in the world “fair game and to hell with consequences for any citizens of those countries who get caught in the middle.”
 
The Obama White House objects to the legislation because it micromanages “the work of our experienced counter-terrorism professionals, including our military commanders, intelligence professionals, seasoned counter-terrorism prosecutors, or other operatives in the field.”
 
If approved by Congress as currently drafted, the bill will be vetoed by President Barack Obama, according to administration officials.
-Noel Brinkerhoff
 
Senate’s Disastrous New Detention Bill (by Tom Parker, Human Rights Now)

Obama Threatens Veto of Defense Authorization Bill (by Yochi J. Dreazen, National Journal) 

Comments

Barry 12 years ago
this bill is not a good thing, but everyone seems to be missing an important part: applicability to united states citizens and lawful resident aliens.— (1) united states citizens.—the requirement to detain a person in military custody under this section does not extend to citizens of the united states. (2) lawful resident aliens.—the requirement to detain a person in military custody under this section does not extend to a lawful resident alien of the united states on the basis of conduct taking place within the united states, except to the extent permitted by the constitution of the united states. be outraged, but use informed outrage.
Matt Collins 12 years ago
senator rand paul aims to kill "indefinite dentition" of dod bill: http://tncampaignforliberty.org/wordpress/2011/11/senator-rand-paul-aims-to-kill-indefinte-detention-in-dod-bill/
Tatiana Covington 12 years ago
it's just a piece of paper with some writing on it, and the feds just made it up out of nothing! laws don't do anything or give any power to anyone. you're only expected to believe that they do. it's all just legislation, which has no more power than any other ritual, such as prayer. a law does not give the feds any power, they just gave themselves the power. stop believing all that shit.
Zimbabalouie 12 years ago
does this also include the democratic and republican parties? how about the tea party? will these vaguely worded abominations be used to stifle internet blogging, anti-government protests, unlawful lemonade distribution? will the state of israel be subject to these vaguely worded instruments of government sponsered treason and sedition? should i start trying to hide because i have publicly questioned these assinine assaults on the foundations of liberty? it is shameful that the authors of and supporters of this anti-american legislation dare to diguise it ubder the cloak of patriotism. the people who have usurped the power of this government are the most anti-american entity on this planet and they should be the ones to fear this legislation.

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