Further Evisceration of Constitutional Rights

JUDGE RULES IN FAVOR OF RACIAL PROFILING AND PROLONGED DETENTION OF NON-CITIZENS IN CCR’S TURKMEN V. ASHCROFT

A Federal Judge ruled in favor of racial profiling and unaccountable, prolonged detention of non-citizens in Turkmen v. Ashcroft, a lawsuit on behalf of people detained after the September 11th attacks brought by the Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR) and attorneys from Covington & Burlington. CCR intends to appeal the ruling.

Yasser Ebrahim, a plaintiff in the case, described his reaction today: "I am very disappointed and shocked. I can't believe the court would allow this to happen. I am frightened for other Muslims in the United States, who could face the same discrimination and abuse that I suffered."

The ruling also states that there are effectively two tiers of rights for citizens and non-citizens. Prolonged detention and discrimination against non-citizens would be flatly illegal if applied to American citizens. In addition, the ruling states that non-citizens who are "out of status" can be imprisoned and criminally investigated without the Constitutional rights afforded to citizens accused of crimes.

Legal opinion here.

Center for Constitutional Rights report here.