John Yoo was interrupted repeatedly by anti-torture activists during his book talk at the Commonwealth Club, while protesters stood outside on Market Street with signs saying “Support torture– Buy My Book!”, “The United States Tortures — Thanks to Yoo”, “ARREST YOO”, and sang “Tell John Yoo That Torture is a Crime” (lyrics by Vic Sadot to the tune of “We Shall Not be Moved”) and “It Had to Be Yoo” (lyrics by Susan Harman.)
Yoo’s book, “Crisis and Command” argues that the president has the power to illegally wiretap, torture or do anything s/he deems necessary in times of war. Yoo’s legal advice was used to allow inhumane treatment and torture of U.S. detainees at Abu Ghraib, Bagram, Guantanamo, and “black sites” around the world.
The United States tortures, thanks to Yoo. Yoo’s legal advice to Cheney, Rumsfeld, Bush, etc. was meant to provide legal cover for the inhumane treatment of detainees. Yoo is complicit in torture and should be indicted, disbarred, fired and prosecuted. We call for his disbarment, dismissal from UC Berkeley Law School, indictment and prosecution for complicity in torture and other war crimes.
Cynthia Papermaster wrote: Thanks to all who participated, especially Asher Wolf who spent months making the fantastic Yoo bobble head which debuted on Wednesday.
Some media folks showed up for the protest. Channel 5 News was there; did anyone see their report on tv? If you have photos or video please forward to me and/or post them on Indybay or elsewhere and send us the links. If you hear of upcoming Yoo appearances please forward the information. Thanks!”
NOTE: Our monthly protest at Yoo’s house is on Sunday, Feb. 7, 12 Noon-1 PM, 1241 Grizzly Peak Blvd., Berkeley.
