Attorney General Nominee Reveals Stance On Major Civil Liberties Issues

January 15, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

<?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />WASHINGTON – Today, during the first of two confirmation hearings, Attorney General-nominee Eric Holder was questioned on several issues that are relevant to ACLU’s legislative agenda for restoring meaningful checks on executive authority and preserving individual rights.

The following can be attributed Caroline Fredrickson, Director of the ACLU Washington Legislative Office:

“Mr. Holder’s responses to questions about executive power and torture were indicative of an encouraging sea change at the Justice Department. Ending the practice of torture will help in the long-overdue need to renew American ideals and restore the rule of law to our nation. His support for a carefully crafted media shield law will boost congressional efforts to pass a bill that protects the free flow of information.

“However, Mr. Holder’s comments on his likely support for reauthorization of disturbing Patriot Act provisions and the overbroad FISA Amendments Act are of great concern. We hope in spite of these unfortunate and troubling comments, Mr. Holder will help to realign our broken system of checks and balances.”

For the ACLU action plan for the Obama transition, go to:

www.aclu.org/transition

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