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The U.S. Supreme Court ruled last week that detainees held at Guantanamo may not be denied the right to challenge their detention through habeas corpus petitions. “Habeas corpus is the freedom from being thrown in prison illegally, with no help, no end in sight and no due process,” said Anthony D. Romero, executive director of the ACLU, in a letter to members. “You have helped the ACLU argue for years that America can be – and must be – both safe and free.” “This decision is a huge win for those who cherish the Constitution,” said Andrew Schneider, executive director of the ACLU of Connecticut. “It restores the rule of law that has been so glaringly absent in the Bush Administration’s Guantanamo policy.” Both Romero and Schneider focused on a phrase from the 5-4 majority opinion written by Justice Anthony Kennedy: “The laws and Constitution are designed to survive, and remain in force, in extraordinary times. Liberty and security can be reconciled; and in our system they are reconciled within the framework of the law.” “Romero on Guantanamo” Comments by ACLU Legal Director Steve Shapiro Support our work: Click on DONATE in the upper right-hand corner. We need and appreciate your help!
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