In December 2018, the Orange County Commissioners called on North Carolina’s Governor Roy Cooper and Attorney General Josh Stein to hold Aero Contractors accountable for its role in the CIA torture program. So did the Town Council of Chapel Hill and the Carrboro Board of Aldermen. The resolutions urge the two state leaders to “hold…
Former aide to Rep. David Price and Sen. Harry Reid calls on state and federal officials to act against torture
On Jan. 18, 2019, the News & Observer published a powerful call for torture accountability by Tommy Ross, former aide to Rep. David Price (D-NC) and then to former Majority Leader Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV). In it, Ross voices dismay about the “culture of secrecy in both the federal and state governments, and troubling tendencies…
Human Rights Day Activity
CALL-IN FOR HUMAN RIGHTS DAY, Monday, Dec. 10, 2018: No More North Carolina Torture Taxis! Please call or send a message to AG Josh Stein and Gov. Roy Cooper — Sample Message: Today, Dec. 10, is International Human Rights Day. Please take action in response to the report from the North Carolina Commission of…
New North Carolina torture report launched
On Thursday, September 27, the North Carolina Commission of Inquiry on Torture launched its report on the state’s role in the post-9/11 U.S. torture program. The report is entitled “Torture Flights: North Carolina’s Role in the CIA Rendition and Torture Program.” The Commission held a press conference outside the North Carolina Capitol Building in downtown Raleigh, attended…
Historic NCCIT report to launch on September 27, 2018
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…
Johnston County Commissioners Refuse Again to Rein in Torture Taxis
Prof. Michael Struett, NCSU, addresses Johnston Co. Board of Commissioners May 7, 2018, Smithfield, North Carolina — Clearly exasperated, the Johnston County Commissioners allowed comments about Aero Contractors and CIA torture at yesterday’s evening board meeting, although they required speakers on that issue to wait until the end, rather than letting them speak during the…
Haspel Nomination & NC anti-torture actions
* On May 7, 7,790 signatures of North Carolinians opposed to Gina Haspel’s nomination for CIA Director will be delivered to Sen. Thom Tillis’ office in Raleigh at 9:00 am. The delegation delivering the signatures: Rev. Steve Hickle, United Methodist clergy (retired) – NC Conference; Immediate Past President, NC Council of Churches Sandy Irving, Western Boulevard…
No Promotion for Torturers!
Oppose the nomination of torture leader Gina Haspel as CIA Director. This is a crucial time to act — there is finally a debate about the U.S.’ post-9/11 torture program! Suggested action steps: 1) Call Sen. Burr and Sen. Tillis to oppose Haspel’s confirmation. Torturers should not be promoted! Burr has expressed support for her; Tillis’ position…