Obama Broke His Word On Detainee Photos: Chief ACLU Lawyer

[Joanne98]

The lawyer pushing for the release of photographs showing the harsh treatment of suspected terrorist detainees said President Barack Obama was backtracking on his word and commitment to transparency by reversing course and objecting to the release of those photos.

Jameel Jaffer, a chief litigator for the American Civil Liberties Union National Security Project, described Obama's reversal as "very disappointing" during an interview with Fox News.

"It is inconsistent not only with commitments the Obama administration has made to us and to the courts but inconsistent with the promise of transparency that President Obama has repeated so many times," he said.

Jaffer, who has filed suit for the release of these photographs under concerns over civil liberty violations and possible detainee abuse, noted that the Obama White House still had a steep hill to climb in its efforts to suppress the release of the photos. Jaffer has won his case in the district court in New York as well as a three-judge appeals court. The Bush Administration, towards the end of its term, asked the full Second Circuit Appeals Court to review the matter. They refused to do so.

"At this point," Jaffer said, "the burden is on the government because there is a court order that requires them to release these photos. So they are either going to have to seek Supreme Court review or come up with some creative strategy to get yet another hearing below the lower courts."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/05/13/obama-broke-his-word-on-d_n_203065.html

[DebbieCDC]

1. Breaking his word is getting to be a habit with Obama

[OhioChick]

2. I've noticed. n/t

[lamp_shade]

3. Did he "give his word" that he'd release them?

[nichomachus]

4. Be quiet. He's playing chess. Look, a puppy. Awwwww.

[Bluenorthwest]

5. His word is worth what a politician's word is worth

and that is nothing at all.

[bemildred]

6. Must be some really ugly stuff. nt

[Bluenorthwest]

8. Rape and murder, according to much recorded testimony

and that is what he wants to cover up and not prosecute. Rape and murder.

[Stinger2]

7. When Cheney and Bush go on trial, Photos should be released to the Jurors!!!!!!!!!

[Purveyor]

9. They will NEVER 'go to trial'. These son of a bitches all drink from the same blood filled cauldron

[Baby Snooks]

10. No, they won't...

He spoke so eloquently after he took the oath of office. Hollow words from a hollow man I'm afraid.