On September 27, 2018, the non-governmental, citizen-led North Carolina Commission of Inquiry on Torture (NCCIT) will release its groundbreaking report on North Carolina’s involvement in the CIA’s rendition, secret detention, and torture program.
Torture Flights: North Carolina’s Role in the CIA Rendition and Torture Program reveals that North Carolina’s involvement was far greater than previously understood, and that the process of rendition itself was a form of torture and/or cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment. It highlights some of the 49 cases of persons rendered to torture by Aero Contractors, the CIA affiliate based at the Johnston County Airport. The report has nine chapters, a foreword by former U.S. Navy General Counsel Alberto Mora, a short executive summary, and six pages of findings and recommendations.
Schedule of events:
Thursday, September 27
Raleigh, 10:30 am: Press conference of the NCCIT at the North Carolina State Capitol Building in downtown Raleigh; south side. Speakers include NCCIT Commissioners, Col. Steve Kleinman (former Air Force interrogator), and Rev. Jennifer Copeland (Executive Director of the NC Council of Churches). A team producing a documentary for Al-Jazeera English will attend. Please come with signs; suggestions: Accountability for Torture, Investigate Aero Contractors, Justice for Torture Survivors, Deploy the SBI, and Never Another NC Torture Taxi. Download flyer.
Raleigh, 6:00 – 7:00 pm: All are welcome at an interfaith vigil service to remember victims and survivors of the U.S. post-9/11 torture program, and rededicate ourselves to transparency and justice. Location: Pullen Memorial Baptist Church, 1801 Hillsborough St. There will be 49 candles at the service, each with a name of one of the 49 known individuals who were rendered to torture by Aero Contractors. Confirmed speakers: NCCIT Commissioner Rev. Ben Boswell of Myers Park Baptist Church in Charlotte, Rabbi Eric Solomon of Beth Meyer Synagogue. Sponsored by NC Council of Churches, 919-828-6501, and NCSTN. Download flyer.
Greensboro, 6:00 – 7:00 pm: All are welcome at a prayer vigil to remember victims and survivors of the U.S. post-9/11 torture program, and rededicate ourselves to transparency and justice. Location: Governmental Plaza, 110 South Greene Street, Greensboro. Sponsored by NC Council of Churches, 919-828-6501, and NCSTN. Download flyer.
Monday, October 1:
Smithfield, 4:30 – 5:30 pm: Prayer vigil outside the Johnston County Courthouse. Confirmed speakers: Rev. Jennifer Copeland, NC Council of Churches, and Rev. Clay Parker, Edgerton United Methodist. Sponsored by NC Council of Churches, 919-828-6501, and NCSTN. Download flyer.
Smithfield, 6:00 pm: Opponents of torture will attend the monthly Johnston County Commissioners meeting, where NCCIT Commissioner and Johnston County resident Patty McGaffagan will hand-deliver the report to the officials who are responsible for the Johnston County Airport.