News-Info-Alerts

Re: PGW POWs & MOC Press Conference

From: POW-MIA InterNetwork

Date: December 05, 2003

"1991 Gulf War POW Jeff Fox Joins Rep. Meeks to Discuss Efforts to Hold Saddam Hussein's Regime Responsible for Torture of Troops

To: Assignment Desk, Daybook Editor

Contact: Jennifer Stewart, 202-225-3461; or Candace Sandy, 718-949-5600 or 917-714-3275, both of the Office of Rep. Meeks

News Advisory:

On Monday, Dec. 8, Rep. Gregory W. Meeks will be joined by 1991 Gulf War POW Jeff Fox to discuss recent efforts by legislators and POWs from the first Gulf War to hold Saddam Hussein's government accountable for torture of American troops.

WHAT: Press Conference with Rep. Meeks and former Gulf War POW Jeff Fox

WHEN: Monday, Dec. 8

TIME: 10:45 a.m.

WHERE: US Capitol, Room HC-6

Media Note: Members of the media should enter by the south door of the Capitol. After clearing security, members of the press should advise the officer on duty that you are attending a press conference in HC-6. Please present press identification.

During the first Gulf War, Saddam Hussein's Iraq savagely tortured many American POWs. Our troops were subjected to repeated beatings, mock executions, starvation, threatened dismemberment, and numerous acts too horrible to describe. They suffered numerous broken bones, were deprived of medical attention and confined to live in disease-ridden cells.

Upon their release, several of the POWs decided to take legal action to hold Hussein's regime responsible and help ensure that future members of the armed services would not have to endure the same treatment. On July 7, 2003, a federal judge ruled in the POWs' favor, citing the critical need to deter similar torture in the future.

After surviving their terrible ordeal, and winning a landmark case against Hussein's government, no one expected the group would soon be fighting its own government in order to hold their torturers accountable. In an effort to block enforcement of the judgment, the current administration has issued an executive order blocking the release of the frozen Iraqi funds. In addition, the administration is now seeking to expunge the federal court order holding Hussein's regime responsible.

For more information on the POWs' efforts, you can visit their Web site at http://www.stopPOWtorture.org/

© 2003 U.S. Newswire"