American Arab Forum

AAF urges the immediate and safe release of the four CPT members in Iraq

Paterson, NJ: 11-30-2005:  The American Arab Forum calls on the kidnappers of four  members of Christian Peacemaker Teams CPT) who were taken Saturday, November 26, in Baghdad, Iraq to be released without conditions or harm. The individuals named and the organization they represent are a dedicated and peace loving group and they serve only the interests of the children and less fortunate people they serve whether in Iraq or in Palestine.

CAPT. first came to Iraq in October 2002 to oppose the US invasion, and it has remained in the country throughout the occupation in solidarity with the Iraqi people. The group has been invaluable in alerting the world to many of the horrors facing Iraqis detained in US-run prisons and detention centers. CAPT.. was among the first to document the torture occurring at the Abu Ghraib prison, long before the story broke in the mainstream press. Its members have spent countless hours interviewing Iraqis about abuse and torture suffered at the hands of US forces and have disseminated this information internationally.

AAF President Aref  Assaf stated that " the group truly represents the best of  humanity as they frequently put their lives on the line to serve others in need. They have demonstrated their lifesaving work in Palestine especially in the city of Hebron where they routinely and the risk to their lives escorted students to their schools and thus providing protection fro the Jewish settlers. No religion or culture reward committed volunteers in this manner and it really adds to mounting castigation of the Arabs and Muslims."

We appeal to those holding the CPT members to release them unharmed so that they may continue their vital work.

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The American Arab Forum, USA. AAF is a non-partisan and non-sectarian organization. We seek to foster and promote tolerance and understanding through education and shared projects.  We endeavor to provide reliable and credible information and  resources to and about the Arab-American community. We also seek to be a resource for public entities, media organizations,  and researchers seeking accurate information about our community. What exists today is sporadic, lacks coherence and is limited both in scope and public access. Our mandate is to transform knowledge into power. www.americanarabforum.org