January 26, 2009

Letter to Editors

Massachusetts NLG Supports Investigation of Human Rights Violations in Gaza

As we read with heartbreak of the devastation caused to children by Israel’s attacks on Gaza (“In Gaza, Palestinian children bear deep scars of war,” 1/26/09), we must consider legalaccountability for violations of international legal norms. The human cost is old news less than a week after the end of the Israeli invasion: more than 1300 Palestinians killed (33% of whom were children and far more civilians), 13 Israelis killed, and devastation of infrastructure in Gaza, affecting thousands. The reckless bombing of civilians by Israel included a strike on the main UN compound in Gaza, killing three staff members and on another UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency) facility in the northern Gaza, the Fakhura Girls’ School in Jabalya, killing dozens. These actions are gross violations of international law, including Article 33 of the Fourth Geneva Convention prohibiting collective punishment and Article 48 forbidding military actions against civilian populations and infrastructure. Israel’s use of white phosphorous is also under investigation.

In addition, Israel’s near total closure of Gaza, denying essential humanitarian aid including food and medicine to be delivered to the desperate population is a violation of the obligations of an occupying power under the 1907 Hague Convention and the 1949 Fourth Geneva Convention. UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon and the UNRWA have called for an investigation of the Israeli air strike on the UN compound facilities.

The Massachusetts Chapter of the National Lawyers Guild joins in this call for an investigation and an assessment of Israel’s actions in light of the shocking human rights violations that have occurred and continue to impact the lives of the people of Gaza.

Neil Berman
Eleanor J. Newhoff
Co-Chairs/Massachusetts Chapter
National Lawyers Guild

The Massachusetts Chapter of the National Lawyers Guild (Mass NLG) is proud to stand in support of Boston City Councilor Chuck Turner in this trying time.

Both the Mass NLG and Councilor Turner have long stood in defense of poor people, people of color, progressives, radicals, and others whose civil or human rights have been threatened. Councilor Turner has long been a steadfast and powerful voice for the communities he represents as a city councilor, and before that as an activist and community organizer.

He has led the fight for social and economic justice on scores of issues of concern for all the citizens of Boston. These include the reform of the Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) laws, relief for homeowners and tenants being displaced by predatory lenders, economic empowerment of impoverished residents through the Boston Workers Alliance, political empowerment through the District Seven Roundtable, and as a voice for peace and justice reaching far beyond Boston.

The Mass NLG urges all to remember that the most basic tenants of the U.S. legal system are the presumption of innocence and the requirement of proof beyond a reasonable doubt for guilt. Councilor Turner has not been proven guilty of anything at this point in time, other than being a committed progressive voice for the disenfranchised of our society.

Consequently, the Mass NLG calls on progressive organizations, peace groups, and all people committed to social, economic and racial justice to voice their support for Councilor Turner.

Chuck Turner has stood for all the people of Boston. Chuck Turner has stood for us. It is time for us to stand for Chuck Turner.

Ten Things You Can Do to Support Boston City Councilor Chuck Turner:

1. Visit supportchuckturner.com to stay updated on the issues

2. Social Networks – If it is the kind of thing you do join Chuck’s supporters on Facebook and MySpace.

3. Friends – Spread the word old school style, tell your family and friends about Chuck Turner. Invite them to support.

4. Attend – Keep updated on upcoming events so you can publically support Chuck.

5. Get involved with organizations and issues that Chuck Turner supports:
• CORI Reform Movement – www.unionofminorityneighborhoods.org/marc/
• Economic Justice – www.bostonworkersalliance.org
• Oppose Environmental Racism – www.ace-ej.org
• Stop the BU BioLab – www.stopthebiolab.org
• Peace and Anti-war – dotpeace.org
• Support Boston’s Youth – www.reflectandstrengthen.org
and www.byop.org

7. Write a personal letter of support or get your organization to write one supporting Chuck

8. Attend court hearings. (Call the US District Court of Massachusetts to check on dates, times and locations: http://www.mad.uscourts.gov/ )

9. Educate yourself on Chuck’s case, the law involved, and the history of the FBI
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COINTELPRO), and specifically the FBI in Boston
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Connolly_(FBI))

10. Write letters to editor (Globe, Herald, Metro, Banner, etc)
Globe – http://bostonglobe.com/news/opeds/letter.aspx?id=6340
Herald – letterstoeditor@bostonherald.com
Metro – letters@metro.us
Banner – mbm@b-banner.com