ADL Calls Federal Court Decision On 'Dirty Bomber' Balanced
New York, N.Y., March 13, 2003 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today welcomed a federal court decision that will allow Jose Padilla, who was arrested in May 2002 for allegedly plotting to plant a "dirty bomb" in the United States, access to an attorney.
"This decision is deeply sensitive to both security concerns and Padilla's fundamental right to due process," said Glen A. Tobias, ADL National Chairman and Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director. "Judge Michael B. Mukasey's opinion balances the country's need for security and civil liberties by determining that both justice and security are best served when those who are arrested or detained in our country have the reasonable right to seek counsel and to be informed of charges against them."
Padilla, an American citizen, was arrested on May 8, 2002 in Chicago after a trip to Pakistan. He is alleged to be associated with Al Qaeda.
The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.
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