For Immediate Release: October 12, 2011

Washington, DC – Today, following Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab’s reported decision to plead guilty in U.S. federal court to terrorism charges, Human Rights First’s Daphne Eviatar issued the following statement:

“This is a victory for justice and the rule of law. Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab’s guilty plea continues the U.S. federal courts’ long track record of successfully bringing to justice the most heinous international terrorists who threaten the United States. It also makes clear – yet again – that terrorism cases belong in our nation’s federal courts and that U.S. national security is best served when we uphold the core values enshrined in the U.S. Constitution.

“If the current Senate and House defense bills become law, the FBI, local law enforcement and courts that led to this successful outcome could be cut out of domestic counter terrorism operations. As this case demonstrates, Congress must not let that happen.”

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