For the Senate:
The Honorable ___________
U.S. Senate
Washington D.C., 20510

For the House of Representatives:
The Honorable ___________
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington D.C., 20515

Dear Senator ___________: (or Dear Congressman/Congresswoman:)

I am writing to express my concern regarding the human rights abuses suffered by the individuals detained in the United States in connection with the investigations into the attacks of September 11, as documented in Human Rights Watch's report, "Presumption of Guilt: Human Rights Abuses of Post-September 11 Detainees."

I am deeply concerned that immigration charges were misused in order to circumvent legal restraints on the Department of Justice's power to detain and interrogate people. Human Rights Watch found that some post-September 11 detainees were held for prolonged periods of time without being charged, had their access to counsel impeded, were subjected to coercive interrogations, were incarcerated under restrictive conditions, including solitary confinement, and suffered physical and verbal abuse.

I urge you, as member of Congress who has a responsibility to oversee the Executive branch of our government, to ensure that the investigation and detention of persons suspected of having links to terrorism are conducted with full regard for the rights of all persons in the United States to be free of arbitrary detention, mistreatment in confinement, and violations of due process, including the right to counsel.

I am also troubled by the secrecy that surrounds the investigation. Secret arrests and secret hearings are incompatible with the core democratic values enshrined in the Constitution. Congress should exercise legislative and oversight authority to ensure that the necessary changes in current policies and practices are made.

Thank you for your attention to this serious matter. I look forward to your response.

Respectfully,