Mapleton Conference Center at Good Counsel
52 North Broadway in White Plains, New York
White Plains resident and 9/11 mother, Phyllis Rodriguez will speak about her recent experience at the Guantanamo Bay Military Base for a week, observing two-and-a-half days of pre-trial hearings as well as meeting with other victims' family members, several capital defenders and the prosecution team. The main issues before the court included client-attorney privilege and classified evidence kept from them by the Pentagon; evidence which, if brought before the court, would most likely have supported their cases. After a "mysterious" censor cut off the video feed on Monday, January 28, the defense filed an emergency motion to abate hearings until the court could assure them that no censor – authorized or not – was listening to their conversations.
Phyllis will also share her reflections on the emotional impact of the trip, including informal interaction with military escorts and staff, as well as contracted workers on the base. Daniel Berger, the Executive Director of the Lower Hudson Valley Chapter of the New York Civil Liberties Union will comment on civil liberties implications as we segue to the question and answer period.
Suggested materials for review ahead of February 25th:
http://www.wnyc.org/articles/wnyc-news/2013/feb/11/three-mothers-reflect-trip-guantanamo-bay/
This event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments served. The evening is organized by WESPAC Foundation and co-sponsored by the Sisters of the Divine Compassion and the Lower Hudson Valley Chapter of the New York Civil Liberties Union. For more information, please contact [email protected] or call 914.449.6514.
