Physicians for Human Rights Opposes Nomination of Alberto Gonzales to Attorney General; Opposition is a First for the Human Rights Group

Physicians for Human Rights Opposes Nomination of Alberto Gonzales to Attorney General; Opposition is a First for the Human Rights Group

"No country can call itself dedicated to protecting and promoting the dignity of human beings if its highest legal officer equivocates or hedges on a commitment to prevent torture," said Leonard S. Rubenstein, PHR's executive director. "The American people deserve an Attorney General who is devoted to this most cherished human right."

Physicians for Human Rights has never before opposed a nominee for public office in the United States and doing so represents an extraordinary step for the organization, requiring a two-thirds vote of its board of directors. In this case, the organization's extensive experience in documenting and seeking to prevent torture makes opposition to the Gonzales nomination an imperative.