ACLU Wants Court to Ban Assassinations

Argues that targeting a US citizen is unconstitutional
By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff
Posted Aug 31, 2010 8:39 AM CDT
ACLU Wants Court to Ban Assassinations
This Oct. 2008 file photo by Muhammad ud-Deen shows Imam Anwar al-Awlaki in Yemen.   (AP Photo/Muhammad ud-Deen, File)

The ACLU and the Center for Constitutional Rights have made a bold move in their quest to get Anwar al-Awlaki off the CIA's "capture or kill" list. The rights groups filed a lawsuit yesterday asking a federal court to declare all assassinations unconstitutional, unless the target poses an imminent, specific danger, the AP reports.

A lawyer for the government said the killings were in line with the laws of war. "This administration is using every legal measure available to defeat al-Qaeda, and we will continue to do so as long as its forces pose a threat to this nation," he said.
(Read more American Civil Liberties Union stories.)

We use cookies. By Clicking "OK" or any content on this site, you agree to allow cookies to be placed. Read more in our privacy policy.
Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X