NRCAT Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For further information contact: Rev. Richard Killmer, 202-547-1920 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Human Rights Groups Call for Select Committee of Congress
to Investigate U.S. Sponsored Torture

(Washington) Eight national human rights organizations are calling on Congressional leaders to establish a Select Committee of Congress to conduct a full investigation into the use of torture by US personnel since 9/11.

  Media Advisory for National Telephone Press Conference - Thursday, June 5 at 1:00 pm EDT

Dial: 1-800-704-9804; Passcode: 115594# -- Click here to RSVP

More Than 275 Congregations Across the United States - Representing All 50 States and the District of Columbia - to Display Anti-Torture Banners in June

National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT) to introduce and describe "Banners Across America" initiative on June 5 telephone press conference

(Washington)  The President of the National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT), Linda Gustitus, issued the following statement regarding the report by the Department of Justice Inspector General on the role and responsibility of the FBI with respect to the interrogation of detainees.

Contact: Rev. Richard Killmer, 202-547-1920 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

May 2, 2008

(Washington)  The National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT), a campaign of over 175 religious organizations working together to abolish U.S.-sponsored torture, thanks the members of the Senate Intelligence Committee for including two important anti-torture provisions in the Committee's version of the Fiscal Year 2009 Intelligence Authorization bill.  Last year's Intelligence Authorization bill, which was vetoed by the President, contained a provision that would have required the CIA to abide by the restrictions in the Army Field Manual while conducting interrogations.  The 2009 bill contains both that provision and another provision that would require the CIA to inform the International Committee of the Red Cross about all detainees and allow the Red Cross access to them.

Written by NRCAT's Executive Director, Rev. Richard L. Killmer, below is his Preface to Faithful Against Torture, a soon-to-be-released book published by the United Methodist Church.

PREFACE

Why Are People of Faith Working to End U.S.-Sponsored Torture?

It is safe to say that millions of people of faith believe strongly that the U.S. policies and practices of torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment are wrong. Tens of thousands are involved with the National Religious Campaign Against Torture, an organization created in January 2006, that has over 150 religious organizations as members.  These member groups include diverse faith traditions: evangelical Christians, mainline Protestants, Roman Catholics, Orthodox Christians, Quakers, Buddhists, Unitarians, Muslims, Jews, and Sikhs.

April 7, 2008    

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rich Killmer - (202) 547-1920

National Religious Campaign Against Torture Renews Call for Special Counsel

(Washington) The National Religious Campaign Against Torture, a campaign of 175 religious organizations working together to abolish U.S.-sponsored torture, sent the following letter today to Attorney General Michael Mukasey, renewing a request for him to appoint a Special Counsel to investigate allegations regarding the CIA's destruction of videotapes and the legality of its use of "harsh" interrogation techniques.

PRESS RELEASE

March 10, 2008

For More Information Contact:                                                                          
Rev. Richard Killmer
202-547-1920
Cell: 207-450-7242
                      

(Washington)  The National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT), a campaign of over 150 religious organizations working together to abolish U.S.-sponsored torture, condemns President Bush's veto of H.R. 2082 (the Intelligence Authorization bill).  H.R. 2082, supported by a majority of both houses of Congress, would have banned waterboarding and other "harsh" interrogation techniques by requiring all elements of the U.S. intelligence community, including the CIA, to abide by the restrictions in the Army Field Manual while conducting interrogations.  The Army Field Manual prohibits the use of torture and other cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment.   

Press Release

February 28, 2008

For More Information Contact:                                                                           
Rev. Richard Killmer
202-547-1920
Cell 207-450-7242
                      
Religious Leaders Urge President Bush to Sign Anti-Torture Bill;
Request Meeting with President before He Decides on Veto

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Rev. Richard Killmer, 202-547-1920 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
February 27, 2008

Religious Organizations Urge President Bush to Sign Anti-Torture Legislation

PRESS RELEASE

February 13, 2008
              
For more  information contact: Linda Gustitus     (202-557-8867)

NRCAT Praises Senate Vote to Stop CIA "Enhanced Interrogation" Program

(Washington, D.C.)

Statement of National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT) President Linda Gustitus on Senate vote on Intelligence Authorization Conference Report:

"Congress has spoken with a majority voice against the CIA's use of 'enhanced interrogation techniques' as authorized by the President.  These techniques have included torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.  Our country and the world are breathing a sigh of relief.  Now it is up to the President to sign this bill and make the CIA comply with the Army Field Manual while conducting interrogations.  If he does so, then we will finally be able to turn the page on this shameful period of history."

National Religious Campaign Against Torture
316 F Street NE, Suite 200
Washington, DC 20002