President Obama Signs National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)
On December 31st, President Obama signed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) into law. The NDAA allows the capture and indefinite military detention of all U.S. citizens without charge or trial.
The controversial bill is problematic both in the U.S. and internationally, as Anthony Romero, Executive Director of the American Civil Liberties Union explains:
“The statute is particularly dangerous because it has no temporal or geographic limitations, and can be used by this and future presidents to militarily detain people captured far from any battlefield.”
In signing the bill, President Obama stated that he had “serious reservations with certain provisions that regulate the detention, interrogation, and prosecution of suspected terrorists.”
He went on to say that his administration “will not authorize the indefinite military detention without trial of American citizens. Indeed, I believe that doing so would break with our most important traditions and values as a nation.” However, his rhetoric does not have any legal standing.
“It is unfortunate that the NDAA has passed into law. This bill is unconstitutional because it clearly violates our 5th and 6th Amendment rights.” said Amina Sharif, CAIR-Chicago’s Communications Coordinator.
CAIR-Chicago is asking citizens of conscience to stand up and defend the constitutional rights of all Americans. To find out how to take action against the NDAA, please see our ACTION ALERT.