ACTION ALERT: Press Conference: Restore Torture Commission Funding! Close Tamms!

Posted on June 25, 2012

From Tamms Year Ten:

Please arrive approx. 11:45 for the noon press conference.

Speakers will include Rob Warden, Exec Dir, Center on Wrongful Convictions; other members of the Torture Commission; survivors of torture; representatives of Chicago World Can’t Wait, Amnesty International, Tamms Year Ten, and other anti-torture activists and organizations.

As reported in the Chicago Tribune, “The Illinois Torture Inquiry and Relief Commission was approved by the Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Pat Quinn in the summer of 2009, a response to the long-standing scandal around former Chicago police Cmdr. Jon Burge and many of his subordinates, who were accused of torturing suspects to get confessions. After appointing a slate of commissioners and hiring a small staff, it launched investigations of its first cases in September. … The state House and Senate, however, voted last week to strip the commission of its funding, meaning it will go out of business June 30, although the law that gave the commission its existence will remain on the books.”

In addition, participants will thank Governor Quinn for moving forward on plans to close the Tamms Supermax prison in Tamms, Illinois, despite the Illinois Legislature passing a budget bill that included funding for Tamms.

Today – on the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture – join us as we call for the restoration of funding for the Illinois Torture Inquiry and Relief Commission, to assure that its important work continues, and for the closure of Tamms Supermax prison.

Immediately following the press conference (approx 12:45), a vigil in support of survivors of torture will begin with testimony from torture survivors.

Sponsored by (list in formation):
Chicago World Can’t Wait
Amnesty International