On January 12, 2012 the City Council will hold a hearing on a Resolution to oppose torture in Chicago, in prisons throughout Illinois, and around the world.  Alderman Joe Moore of the 49th ward introduced this Resolution in November, 2011. The Illinois Coalition Against Torture has collected over 3,500 signatures from Chicago, across the U.S., and around the world in support of this this Resolution.  When the Resolution passes, Chicago will be the first city in the United States to officially oppose all forms of torture.

This Resolution requires Mayor Rahm Emmanuel and the City Council of the City of Chicago to stand firm against all forms of torture and inhuman treatment.  It calls all officials to publically declare their unwavering support for all survivors of torture, and hold all perpetrators of torture accountable.

In addition, the Resolution would require that Mayor Emmanuel and the City Council of the City of Chicago affirm that all prisoners under city, state or federal government control, both domestically and internationally, are entitled to have their human rights respected, including their right to be free from torture. 

The Illinois Coalition Against Torture will hold a press conference at 9:00am on January 12th on the 2nd Floor (Rm 201-A) of City Hall.   Speakers at the Press Conference and the Hearing include: 

U.S. Congressperson Danny Davis; Sr. Benita Coffey, representing the National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT); Mary Lynn Everson – Marjorie Kovler Center;  Mario Venegas- Chilean, activist and survivor of torture under Pinochet; Debra Erenberg, Amnesty International's Regional Director for the Midwest; Attorney Len Goodman; Attorney Flint Taylor; Laurie Jo Reynolds, activist for TAMMS YEAR 10, U.S. Congressperson Danny Davis, Mary L. Johnson-mother of a Burge torture victim and inmate at Tamms; Laurie Jo Reynolds, activist for TAMMS YEAR 10. ­­­