Demonstrators show their support for the verdict and call for justice

Tuesday, June 29, 2010 - After years of work put forth by many outstanding individuals fighting to bring the former police commander to justice, Jon Burge was convicted of crimes that acknowledge his and other Chicago police officers’ long-term engagement in torture. The jury’s verdict in the Jon Burge trial came Monday June 28, 2010 after a day and a half of deliberation. The jury found Burge guilty of the two counts of obstruction of justice and one count of perjury with which he was being charged for having lied about his participation in and knowledge of the torture carried out by Chicago police officers in the 1970’s and 1980’s. Over one hundred African-American men were subjected to torture methods including suffocation, shock by cattle prods and electric boxes, burning, beating and more. Although the statute of limitations for the crime of torture has expired, Burge now faces up to 45 years in federal prison for the crimes with which he was convicted.

Despite this widely celebrated victory, the reality remains that justice has yet to be achieved in addressing the systematic torture committed by Chicago police officers over the course of decades. The issue is more than one of accountability but also a reflection of inadequate national compliance with the international human rights standards that obligate our government to prohibit, prevent, and effectively address acts of torture. 

As was made apparent in a demonstration outside of the U.S. Federal Building immediately following the verdict on Monday, Chicago remains deeply scarred by Chicago police involvement in torture. The fact that over 20 men remain in jail whose confessions were coerced using torture is an utter tragedy. The community is looking for further action bringing justice to the victims and addressing Chicago’s reputation for police brutality. In particular, the Chicago community looks for an explanation from Mayor Daley, who was the Cook County State’s attorney in the 1980’s, and Chicago Police Department staff that worked with Burge throughout the torture decades. The question of how many people were involved or compliant as hundreds of men were tortured remains on the minds of human rights activists and community members alike. 

In the closing arguments of the Burge trial, which were given last week on Thursday, the defense insisted that the five torture victims whose testimonies were read over the course of the month-long trial were liars who collaboratively plotted against Burge for their own gain. However the defense failed to clarify what the victims hoped to gain from this supposed plot and, as the verdict reflects, the argument was overall inconsistent and inadequate. Ultimately jurors were swayed by the compelling evidence of torture given in the form of testimony by the victims themselves and testimony of individuals who were in contact with the victims around the time they were tortured. Jurors noted that the testimony of retired Detective Michael McDermott, which was given during the fourth week of the trial, contributed to their decision as his story in support of Burge was inconsistent and shaky.

It is certain that the conviction of Jon Burge is not the last Chicago or the nation will hear of the Chicago police torture cases. The public has shown that it is outraged by these crimes and plans for future legal battles are already underway. Flint Taylor of the People’s Law Office has already discussed his plans to file a federal civil lawsuit against Jon Burge, Mayor Daley, LeRoy Martin, former police superintendent, as well as other detectives who worked under Burge. As the battle continues, we are reminded of our civic and moral obligations to fight for justice and insist on laws upholding the inherent human dignity of all.

For more information on the Chicago Police Torture Cases see Midwest Coalition for Human Rights resources. 

Recent news on the Jon Burge trial:

Chicago Sun Times: Felon: Burge accuser tried to recruit me - June 21, 2010

Chicago Tribune: Burge says boat name not tied to police torture - June 21, 2010

Chicago Sun Times: Testimony: Torture charges made up - June 22, 2010

Chicago Sun Times: Former court reporter: Alleged Burge victim had facial injuries - June 22, 2010

Chicago Tribune: Testimony wraps up in Burge trial - June 22, 2010

Chicago Tribune: Burge case goes to the jury - June 24, 2010

Associated Press: Deliberations begin in Chicago cop torture trial - June 25, 2010

New York Times: Verdict in Burge Trial Will Not Bring Issue to a Close - June 25, 2010

Associated Press: Prosecutor: Chicago cop was a calculating torturer - June 25, 2010

Chicago Tribune: Burge found guilty - June 28, 2010

New York Times: Officer Accused of Torture is Guilty of Perjury - June 28, 2010

Chicago Sun Times: Chicagoans have paid dearly for police brutality - June 29, 2010

Associated Press: Ex-Chicago officer's torture case may not be last - June 29, 2010

Chicago Sun Times: Long awaited Burge verdict sends message - June 29, 2010