Torture Abolitionists Arrested at White House and Held for 54 Hours

By Malachy Kilbride

Washington, DC - Five social justice and peace activists were arrested in a nonviolent witness on the sidewalk outside of The White House on Saturday, June 27. Three were held and released from police custody after 54 hours of confinement following their action opposing torture. The activists were participating in the annual events organized by the Torture Abolition and Survivor Support Coalition International (TASSC) commemoration of the United Nation International Day in Support of Torture Victims and Survivors. The three activists held were Eve Tetaz, 78 of Washington DC, Joy First 54 of Madison, WI, and Malachy Kilbride 42 of Washington DC,.

“We were held 54 hours for holding a sign saying “Stop Torture Now” on America’s Main Street in front of Obama’s White House. When did our First Amendment Rights become secondary to petty US Park Service regulations? We must challenge these regulations that have now trumped our Bill of Rights.” First said upon release.

Torture is practiced by almost every country in the world. “The tortured are both the apolitical and the politicized. Prisoners of war and civilians alike suffer torture. They include, among others, children, the physically disabled, farmers, leaders of ethnic minorities, student leaders, journalists, religious workers, teachers, lawyers, doctors and nurses. No ethnicity, gender, age, class, profession, religion, sexual orientation, or political belief guarantees exemption from torture.” according to TASSC. Survivors of torture and their loved ones gathered in Lafayette Park this past weekend to express their hope that all torture everywhere will someday end. The action resulting in arrests was part of this event organized by TASSC.

“The United States has a unique responsibility in ending torture since our government is complicit in the planning and execution of torture worldwide. The White House, Pentagon, CIA have all been instrumental in planning and waging torture campaigns around the globe.” said Kilbride. “It rests on we, the people, to rise up and stamp out this abhorrent practice that causes the suffering and death of innocent people.” stated First.

Tetaz, Frist, and Kilbride have been charged with “Failure to Obey a Police Officer” for not leaving the sidewalk in front outside The White House and have a September 28 court date. All three are affiliated with the National Campaign for Nonviolent Resistance.