What is CCR CISPEs FOIA?
CCR CISPEs FOIA is a legal program that was established in 1979 by the Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR) and the Committee in Solidarity with the People of El Salvador (CISPEs). FOIA stands for the Freedom of Information Act, which is a federal law that gives the public the right to access information from the federal government. The CCR CISPEs FOIA program uses this law to obtain information about U.S. involvement in human rights abuses in El Salvador during the 1980s.
Why is CCR CISPEs FOIA Important?
The CCR CISPEs FOIA program is important because it sheds light on the U.S. government's role in human rights abuses in El Salvador. During the 1980s, the U.S. government supported the Salvadoran government's efforts to suppress leftist rebels. This support included providing military aid and training to the Salvadoran military, which has been implicated in numerous human rights abuses, including torture, murder, and disappearances.
The CCR CISPEs FOIA program has been successful in obtaining documents that show the extent of U.S. involvement in these abuses. These documents have been used in legal cases against U.S. officials who were involved in supporting the Salvadoran government, as well as in efforts to seek justice for the victims of the abuses.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about CCR CISPEs FOIA
Q: What kind of information has the CCR CISPEs FOIA program obtained?
A: The CCR CISPEs FOIA program has obtained a wide range of documents related to U.S. involvement in El Salvador during the 1980s. These documents include cables, memos, and reports from U.S. government agencies, as well as interviews with U.S. officials who were involved in supporting the Salvadoran government.
Q: Has the CCR CISPEs FOIA program been successful in holding U.S. officials accountable?
A: Yes, the CCR CISPEs FOIA program has been successful in holding some U.S. officials accountable for their role in supporting the Salvadoran government's human rights abuses. For example, in 2016, a federal judge allowed a case to proceed against two former Salvadoran generals who were accused of ordering the torture and murder of four U.S. churchwomen in 1980. The case was based in part on documents obtained through the CCR CISPEs FOIA program.
Q: How can I support the CCR CISPEs FOIA program?
A: You can support the CCR CISPEs FOIA program by making a donation to the Center for Constitutional Rights. Your donation will help fund the program's ongoing efforts to obtain information about U.S. involvement in human rights abuses in El Salvador.
Conclusion
The CCR CISPEs FOIA program is an important tool for uncovering the truth about U.S. involvement in human rights abuses in El Salvador. By obtaining documents that show the extent of this involvement, the program has helped hold U.S. officials accountable for their actions. If you believe in the importance of transparency and accountability, consider supporting the CCR CISPEs FOIA program today.
