Amnesty International Criticizes Detention of Foreigners in the U.S.

Amnesty International has expressed concern over the detention of more than 1,200 individuals following the September 11 terrorist attacks. In its annual report released today in London, Amnesty criticized the actions taken after the terrorist attacks in the U.S. that led to the indefinite detention of foreigners. The report also criticized President Bush's decision to try individuals suspected of terrorist activities and collaboration with al-Qaeda in military courts. Amnesty International stated that trying these individuals in military courts violates international standards related to fair trials. This year's report reiterated last year's criticism regarding the imposition of the death penalty. Amnesty International noted that following the September 11 attacks, many governments attempted to pass laws under the pretext of ensuring security and combating terrorism, which worsened the human rights situation worldwide. In its annual report released today, Amnesty stated that with the enactment of repressive laws in many countries, human rights violations have increased, the role of the military has expanded, and cultural and religious restrictions have intensified. Amnesty International pointed out that democratic countries have taken a leading role in restricting civil rights. The report mentioned that in 47 countries, executions occurred without court orders, in 35 countries opponents have disappeared, in 111 countries torture has been reported, and at least in 56 countries, individuals have been imprisoned due to their beliefs.