NEW YORK – In last night’s debate, presidential candidate Mitt Romney pointedly advocated the captivity of suspected terrorists at the infamous Guantánamo Bay detention center. While disparaging the concept of providing counsel to accused suspects in U.S. custody – a core principle of our constitutional democracy - Romney suggested, in jest, that he “presume[d]” the American Civil Liberties Union represented Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the alleged mastermind of the September 11 attacks.
The following can be attributed to Anthony D. Romero, Executive Director of the ACLU:
“Although the ACLU does not represent Mohammed, we are grateful to Governor
Romney for recognizing our persistent fight on many fronts to restore the rule
of law and combat the erosion of civil liberties that has plagued this country
in the name of national security since September 11. Guantánamo is a shameful
stain on our nation’s values and reputation throughout the world, and we – along
with respected leaders of all political persuasions and millions of Americans –
will continue to call for it to be shut down once and for all.”