NEW YORK–(ENEWSPF)–February 11, 2011–In response to the resignation of Hosni Mubarak, CCR offered the following statement:
“The Center for Constitutional rights offers its sincere congratulations to the Egyptian people on Hosni Mubarak’s departure. We rejoice with them and take inspiration in their extraordinary courage and vision. To have forced an autocrat and human rights abuser from power through a peaceful revolution is cause for celebration.”
“Uncertainty remains, however, regarding today’s military takeover. Omar Suleiman in particular deserves close scrutiny. He has been linked to torture and human rights abuses as documented by the WikiLeaks diplomatic cables and other sources. In addition, senior members of the armed forces have in the past enriched themselves at the people’s expense, and their commitment to democracy remains to be seen. As Egypt moves into an exciting but uncertain future, the U.S. should take the opportunity to end its historic support for Egyptian military autocracy, and reform its often antidemocratic, unjust, and simply failed policies in the region more broadly. Moving forward, the U.S. must not obstruct the aspirations of the popular democratic movement in Egypt. And, despite the long, unfortunate relationship the U.S. government has with Suleiman, his role in shadowy governmental practices, torture and other human rights abuses cautions against the U.S. supporting him as a figure to lead the transition.
“We must listen to the people of Egypt and support their choices and their desire for a truly democratic Egypt.”
The Center for Constitutional Rights is dedicated to advancing and protecting the rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Founded in 1966 by attorneys who represented civil rights movements in the South, CCR is a non-profit legal and educational organization committed to the creative use of law as a positive force for social change.
Source: ccrjustice.org
