"We are asking the court to compel the administration to preserve evidence and provide information about our client's death. After more than a week, the administration has still failed to provide a death certificate, an autopsy report or a pledge to preserve evidence. If the facts are on their side, why are they hiding them?" said Bill Goodman, CCR Legal Director.
The emergency motion argues that the "immediate preservation of evidence is critical" to answering "disturbing questions" posed by Al Salami's family about his death. The motion notes that Al Salami's father “disputes the government's account of his son's death."The emergency motion also cites reports of previous military investigations into detainee abuse that were "prejudiced" because the military failed to interview crucial witnesses, handle evidence properly and preserve all relevant documents.
The Center for Constitutional Rights works with communities under threat to fight for justice and liberation through litigation, advocacy, and strategic communications. Since 1966, the Center for Constitutional Rights has taken on oppressive systems of power, including structural racism, gender oppression, economic inequity, and governmental overreach. Learn more at ccrjustice.org.