An American journalist will challenge his apparent inclusion in the US\u2019s classified \u2018Kill List\u2019 in federal court on Monday, 16 November 2020.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bilal Abdul Kareem is a Peabody award-winning African American journalist who alleges that he has been targeted for assassination by the US because of his work covering the conflict in Syria. In 2016, he narrowly escaped being killed by five separate strikes, including an attack on his office and two strikes on cars in which he was travelling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The case simply asks whether signals intelligence led the US to erroneously conclude that Mr Kareem should be added to the kill list, unaware that his meetings with various armed groups were for the purpose of conducting interviews.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The district court initially upheld Mr Kareem\u2019s right to bring the case, holding due process was \u201cnot merely an old and dusty procedural obligation\u201d, but instead \u201ca living, breathing concept that protects US persons from over-reaching government action.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When the government then claimed that the case required disclosure of privileged \u201cstate secrets\u201d, the court felt constrained to dismiss the case. The appeal therefore presents a stark question: Can the US government issue secret death warrants for its own citizens in total secrecy, without any judicial review, even when that individual demands due process in a US court?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A three-judge panel will hear arguments in the case at 9:30am on Monday, 20 November. The hearing can be monitored live via the DC Circuit webpage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mr Bilal Abdul Kareem<\/strong> said: \u201cI have always believed part of being an American meant if you were accused of doing something, you would be given the opportunity to plead your case in court. But now, here I am, standing at the courthouse doors and the US government is trying to deny me that opportunity. In Syria, in one of the most violent wars the world has seen, I try to champion the American ideals of justice, transparency and accountability. I hope the Court will see fit to uphold those same rights \u2013 my rights \u2013 here at home.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jennifer Gibson, Lead for Reprieve\u2019s extrajudicial executions work and lawyer for Mr Kareem<\/strong>, said: \u201cThe Trump Administration is asking the courts to jettison the right to due process, a value which sets America apart from dictatorships. The executive should not be allowed to act as judge, jury and executioner unchecked. In a country founded on the rule of law, Americans must have a right to challenge a secret death sentence.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n