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February 12, 2008

Dozens use chief justice's visit to protest Guantanamo

RobertsProtest.jpg
Providence Journal/Andrew Dickerman
The group -- some in symbolic orange jumpsuits -- protested the erosion of of habeas corpus and other constitutional rights as well as the torture of prisoners today.

PROVIDENCE -- At least 70 protesters marched outside the federal courthouse today during the visit of Chief U.S. Supreme Court Justice John G. Roberts Jr., demanding that the United States close its detention center at Guantanamo.

Many dressed in orange jumpsuits, signifying the detainees held at Guantanamo. They marched to chants and carried signs: “Patriot Act = Lost Rights,” and “Shut Down Guantanamo.”

“The present administration in Washington does not believe in the rule of law. Our country is in the business of torture,” said Martin Lepkowski, a member of Witness for Peace.

“I think the chief justice is making wrong decisions,” said Constance Allen, a member of the Raging Grannies. “I think prisoners should have rights. Torture is wrong. We should close Guantanamo -- it’s a shame on America.”

The protest began with a rally in Burnside Park at 10:30, and moved over to the sidewalk in front of the courthouse. It began breaking up at noon.

-- Journal staff writer Karen Lee Ziner

Posted by Mike McKinney  at 12:30 PM | Permalink

Comments

What's a shame on America is that a large portion of our own population is more worried about the rights of people who would still kill them, given half a chance, despite their moral indignation.

What's the term.... "useful idiots"? Useful to the enemy, mind you. Not civilized society.

EMT | February 12, 2008 1:01 PM link

please help me.....

tell me of what rights you have lost????

robert salvatore | February 12, 2008 3:51 PM link

Last time I remember, a right to a speedy trial was in the Constitution. Furthermore, who wouldn't confess to a crime under torture?
Who is to say that threats to family members of the detainees weren't made if there was no confession. The U.S. is turning more away from Constitutional Law and gravitating toward MOB rule.

John Gallagher | February 12, 2008 5:38 PM link

Thats right let them out!!! Let them live with the protesters also. I think we should let them all go, and when the kill american soldiers we can blame the protesters!

Get a hobby | February 13, 2008 7:27 AM link

When the United States of America stops using our constitution and degrades itself to actions not condoned by the Geneva convention, and impedes our civil rights to representation and free speech,the terrorists have already accomplished their goal to destroy America.
Terrorism is not going to go away, but we can keep it from destroying our country if we pay attention and maintain our constitutional rights. Otherwise we are not America anymore and they win.

Deborah Goldhaft | February 13, 2008 8:59 AM link

The armed corporations are changing our constitution. They also commit high crimes against the US population when they break any and all of the international treaties which they have undertaken, and is gaining in momentum. These treaties and laws belong to the people. We have paid for them, invested in them, and fought for them. A mere reason such as conquest of oil should never break up our constitution. Like so many of their long history of OTHER crimes against US citizens.

The pen is mightier than the sword. And we will prevail once we fix our pen, and the voice of the people is the one being spoken in the Mainstream, instead of the parroting of the Armed Corpirates.

tina anthony | February 14, 2008 6:28 AM link

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