RESOlUTION TO STOP - Program for Torture Victims
Transcription
RESOlUTION TO STOP - Program for Torture Victims
PTV Chronicle Program for Torture Victims Newsletter VOL v /EDITION 1 fall 2008 Resolution to Stop California Doctors & Nurses from Participating in Torture On August 14, 2008, California became the first state in the U.S. to make the clear declaration that torture is unethical, immoral, and illegal, and that we, as a state, will not take part in torture. The resolution requests that California licensed health professionals be notified of their ethical and legal obligations not to participate in torture. Additionally, the resolution asks the Department of Defense and the CIA to remove California health professionals from participating in prisoner and detainee interrogations. PTV’s Co-Founder and Medical Director, Dr. Jose Quiroga, testified in support of the resolution, which sends a strong signal that we must protect California health professionals from complicity in torture. The resolution was authored by Senator Mark Ridley Thomas, and was sponsored by the Program for Torture Victims, Physicians for Social Responsibility- Los Angeles, and The American Friends Service Committee. THE 1985 ACCOMARCA MASSACRE ripped shoes, in their bare feet, through the mud and grasses. The more they ran, the more the militia fired. Justice after 23 Years On a chill winter day in August, in a small indigenous village, a town was just beginning to awaken when the first shot was fired. It was not yet dawn; the sun was rusting over the mountains, orange in its beginning, then slowly fading to pale gold. The air was sharp. The Andes separated the village of Accomarca from other small villages, scattered across the western side of Peru, nearly 400 miles from Lima, the country’s capital. Children, mothers, and elderly men started their days in a normal fashion: washing clothes, fixing their breakfasts, hiking through high grass and patches of snow to tend their alpaca. The first gunshot must have sounded obscure on top of the quiet mountain. But quickly, more followed. The townspeople ran, in their Ellen Pfeifer Jose Quiroga Ana Deutsch The soldiers had come to destroy a guerilla leftist party they believed were hiding in the region. Instead, they shot any villager within range. The women that they captured, they raped. Many villagers were forced into a small farmhouse, where they were terrorized with bullets, grenades, and fire. By the end of the massacre, 62 villagers had died. By the time the houses had finished burning, there was nothing left except white ash. There were, however, survivors, two of whom would come back to haunt commanding officer Telmo Hurtado nearly 23 years later. On that blood-filled Thursday in August, these two twelve year old girls ran wildly through the village, screaming, tripping as bullets hit those running beside them. In hiding, Cirila Pulido watcher her mother and her infant brother fall to the ground. Teofila Ochoa saw her mother, seven brothers, and sister succumb to the same fate. Teofila slid beneath a large rock to avoid her own death. Through the gunshots, the Megan Berthold Shoshana Martinez Erin Grimes Rose Marie Durocher smoke, the bullets, the faces of the dying became etched in these girls’ minds. In the process of ridding the world of terrorists, the ‘heroes’ often become the terrorists. Telmo Hurtado and his troop invaded Accomarca under a strict military operation in order to rid the village and surrounding area of the guerilla soldiers. They succeeded in murdering 23 small children and 39 women and elderly men. When asked why it was necessary to kill babies during their operation, Hurtado shrugged. Babies mature and become guerillas. Thus, the order was simply “to capture and eliminate.” After the murders, the soldiers put on white tee shirts and celebrated their victory. For nearly 23 years, those lost in the Accomarca Massacre were forgotten by Hurtado and his soldiers. But on February 11th, 2008, in a Florida courtroom, Hurtado met face-to-face with Teofila Ochoa and Cirila Pulido. He had been discovered hiding illegally in the United States, and was finally being charged for his role in the massacre. Ochoa and Pulido were to represent their village, and those who had survived the massacre. Ken Louria PTV Gaithri Fernando Diana Ray CARING FOR SURVIVORS SINCE 1980. Board of Directors Niels Frenzen, Esq. President Jose Quiroga MD, Vice-President Ana Deutsch, Secretary Andrew Atkin, Esq. Treasurer Hector Aristizabal, MFT Robert Bailey, Esq. Phyllis Glock Adam Levine, Esq. Marc Williams, Esq. Staff Ellen Pfeifer, MSW Executive Director Jose Quiroga, M.D. Medical Director Ana Deutsch, MFT LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PTV welcomes its new Executive Director, Ellen Pfeifer. Ellen comes to PTV with a long history in the non-profit arena. Since receiving her MSW from Florida State University, Ellen has been involved in the management of non profits. Ellen specializes in Fund Development, including corporate and foundation giving, major gifts, capital campaigns and annual philanthropic giving. Clinical Director S. Megan Berthold, PhD Director of Research and Evaluation, Therapist Shoshana Martinez, BA Case Manager Rose Marie Durocher, PhD Therapist Ken Louria, MFT Therapist Erin Grimes, BA Executive Assistant Diana Ray, MSW Research and Evaluation Associate Rachel Goldstein, BA, americorps vista/ resource development cordinator It is with great joy that I join PTV in its mission to alleviate torture and its effects nationally and globally. In the nearly ten months that I have been given the opportunity to provide leadership,I feel honored to be a part of PTV. I thank PTV’s Board of Directors, and its many volunteers who give endlessly of their time and talent. Additionally, I would like to thank the PTV Staff,a most dedicated,talented, and professional group of men and women who work tirelessly to provide services to our clients. All of our Staff, Interns and VISTA Volunteers are devoted, highly skilled and trained in their areas of expertise. I am awestruck by their level of passion and commitment. PTV has come a long way from its inception in 1980. But, there is still work to be done, and where better to contribute your time and talent than PTV? We are always looking for individuals interested in volunteering. As important and necessary to the continued success and capacity in which PTV operates, is its ability to provide ongoing, free of charge, medical, psychological and case management services to those who have survived torture. This, in large part, is due to our Donors. We are grateful to all of our Donors, who have generously contributed to PTV. We hope that you and others will continue to be our partners and give big heartedly to PTV. For more information on how to make a monetary contribution, please call me on 213 747.4944 ext. 253. No contribution is too little…. Thank you again for this exciting opportunity and I look forward to serving all of you successfully for many years. With great appreciation, Ellen www.ptvla.org PTV Chronicle Program for Torture Victims Newsletter VOL v /EDITION 1 FAll 2008 INTERVIEW WITH LAILA AL-MARAYATI ob/gyn for torture victims Dr. Laila Al-Marayati is currently the Assistant Clinical Professor at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California (USC). She is also the Medical Director of Women’s Health at the Eisner Pediatric and Family Medical Center, a community health clinic in downtown Los Angeles. She has been a long-time activist in the Muslim American community, focusing mainly on issues related to women’s rights and religious freedom. In addition, Laila AlMarayati is one of the founders of the Muslim Women’s League, based in Los Angeles, which promotes the role of Muslim women in society. WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO FIRST BECOME INVOLVED IN WORKING WITH REFUGEES AND TORTURE VICTIMS? I have always been concerned with providing care to the underserved and those in greatest need. I remember receiving a letter from Physicians for Human Rights when they were looking for doctors to help provide exams/evaluations to individuals seeking asylum and I thought that was something that I might be able to help with. HOW DID YOU BECOME INVOLVED WITH PTV? I came to a lecture by one of the physicians there several years ago. He talked about what to look for as signs and symptoms of torture. I met with some of the staff and was later approached to see if I could help out with doing medical evaluations on women who had undergone some form of genital cutting. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SERVICES THAT YOU PROVIDE FOR FEMALE SURVIVORS OF TORTURE? My main contributions have been to perform medical exams free of charge to women who have experienced some form of genital cutting. Due to my interest and awareness of this particular practice, I feel that I have been able to provide a safe and respectful environment that helps the client feel at ease in what can often be a difficult situation. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES AND REWARDS OF WORKING WITH CLIENTS FROM PTV? Regardless of what I think I know about female genital cutting (FGC), I am always learning something new from each client. Everyone’s situation is different and I am constantly amazed at what tribulations so many of these women have had to endure. I greatly admire their courage and will to survive. I have had to testify before a judge regarding a few of these cases. While I have no problem discussing the facts in an objective manner, I have to admit that I am frustrated that the asylum process requires that information so personal, private and perhaps even humiliating, be discussed in a somewhat public setting. The clients listen stoically, knowing they have no choice but I wonder if any of the rest of us sitting in the room truly appreciates what it would be like for the status of our genitalia to be part of the public record. IN REGARDS TO THE WORK THAT YOU DO, WHAT CURRENT ISSUES DO YOU FEEL ARE MOST SERIOUS, AND HOW DO YOU THINK PEOPLE CAN GET INVOLVED? I am concerned that many women who have undergone some form of genital cutting are unable to find physicians who can provide culturally sensitive care. As a result, they may not be getting the kind of care they need for cancer screening and other reproductive health services. Medical outreach and education to communities of recent immigrants from Africa would have a positive impact, in my opinion, on letting women and their families know about available services and how to access them. Regarding FGC, we should all be supporting indigenous efforts throughout Africa that are dedicated to eradicating this cultural practice. PTV CARING FOR SURVIVORS SINCE 1980. Welcome Please join us as we welcome our new Americorps VISTA, Rachel Goldstein, our new USC intern Ivy Quicho, and our new UCLA intern Njambi Kingori. We are thrilled to have them on board and look forward to the year ahead Day of Dance CULTURAL CELEBRATION On February 2, PTV held its first Day of Dance, organized by case manager Shoshana Martinez. Over 50 clients, volunteers, and staff members shared dances from around the world, including Argentina, Venezuela, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Senegal, and the Congo. One attendee said “I think this day was so important, because dancing is one of the ways to express yourself without having to speak.” PTV Board member Phyllis Glock has been recognized as Volunteer of the Year by Northrop Grumman Corporation. With this award, she was given the opportunity to direct a grant to the nonprofit organization of her choice and she chose Program for Torture Victims. Thank you, Phyllis, and congratulations. Big Farewell We sadly bid farewell to Beth Gunter, our Admin Assistant and former VISTA volunteer, Christa Romanosky, our VISTA volunteer, and Maria Gutierrez-Sanchez, our international intern from Spain. It is with tremendous sadness that we say goodbye to these three women who have added so very much to PTV. We wish Beth all good things as she leaves to pursue her education in law school. We know we will see her again in the future as she champions the freedom of those whose human rights have been trampled upon. We wish the best to Christa, as she pursues her graduate studies in creative writing. One day, we will read her novel dealing with compassionate treatment of others and our planet. We are Proud of Maria, who will go on to provide psychotherapeutic treatment to torture survivors as she joins IRCT in a few months. On behalf of PTV Staff and Board, I wish you much happiness, joy and success as you blaze into your futures, and offer you all a thank you for coming into our lives. May peace follow you where ever you go. Ellen Pfeifer JUNE 26 On June 26, 2008, medical Director Jose Quiroga and Executive Director Ellen Pfeifer along with a PTV client, flew to Sacramento to bring awareness to our California lawmakers on behalf of the United Nations Day in recognition of torture survivors worldwide. PTV was joined by the California Consortium of torture centers that consist of four programs state-wide providing services to torture survivors. Members of the California Assembly and Senate were receptive to our advocacy on behalf of torture survivors. . . MORE TO COME. . . PTV Chronicle Program for Torture Victims Newsletter VOL v /EDITION 1 fall 2008 PTV’s Clinical Director, Ana Deutsch, was flown from Los Angeles to Florida in order to provide counseling services for Ochoa and Pulido. were not sure what verdict the courts would project. Because it was a civil trial, there could be no sentencing, but Hurtado could face deportation. Ana Deutsch described Hurtado as a The two women waited four long weeks small man. He was no longer wearing his before the verdict reached them; on AK rifles, grenades, and ammunition, as Tuesday, March 4th, the courts ordered he was so many years ago, but instead, Peruvian Major Telmo Hurtado to shackles and a grey jumpsuit. His hair pay 37 million dollars in damages to and mustache had been shaved, and Teofila Ochoa and Cirila Pulido and he stared absently as he was seated the estates of their deceased family in the court. He refused to testify, members for the murders committed and refused to hear the testimony of during the Accomarca Massacre. his victims. His face was stony and Although the money would probably emotionless. It was a way of hiding his never reach either woman, the verdict fear, the fear that drove him to leave was considered a victory. In addition his homeland, smuggling himself into to paying punitive damages, Hurtado the United States, smuggling himself would be deported to Peru, where he into an underground network of illegal faced criminal charges for war crimes operations. His life had become a life of against his people. intense hiding: hiding guilt, hiding In his order, Judge Jordan stated, bodies, hiding the fear that ate “As a general matter, a human life is not through his brain at night. Poet’s Corner “Put your ear down close to your soul and listen hard.” - Ann Sexton EXILE By: Bibianne By-Lyombo EXILE Who can talk about exile if he did not live it? Do you know what it is that exiles one from one’s homeland? Self-imposed Some for political reason Fleeing torture and prison Fleeing persecution Fleeing, reducing, until you lose North. Proscribed, with the nostalgic dream Which will be their future? Exile? Sanction? How does one give definition? EXILE Exile can be a form of punishment Or facility for some who have full money In their hands. A way of fleeing the judge who fixes them. Ochoa and Pulido were quite the subject to intrinsic monetary valuation. Indeed, any arbitrary value placed on opposite. Despite the traumatic a life threatens to demean it or cheapen events which altered their lives, it because of its obvious inadequacy. these two women were gentle and dignified. They faced their families’ The same goes for human suffering. But attacker with grace and poise. For placing values, for purposes of assessing four days, Ana Deutsch provided damages, is all that a court can do.” psychological support to prepare these two women for the intense court Hurtado currently resides under testimonial that they were to provide in the fluorescent lighting of a Florida a foreign country, with the eyes of their detention center; a large, grey area nation, and the U.S. upon them. which greatly resembles a state prison. When the day of court descended, Through civil courts, he was convicted Ochoa and Pulido waded into emotional of torture, extrajudicial killing, war drudgery. They spoke softly in the low crimes and crimes against humanity. He light of the court room. They described now shifts nervously, sleeps nervously, the village, the attack, the blood and the and lives in the shadows as he awaits his prison that was made of their home. deportation. His future is uncertain. Happy to leave without giving up essence Throughout the testimony, one thing was certain: their lives existed in terms of before and after, then and now. It will be this way. It could not be undone. The only decision to be made was whether Telmo Hurtado was responsible for the massacre, as Major and commanding officer of the event, and the man who dictated the order. Ochoa and Pulido What began that day continues as a life in exile. Ochoa and Pulido, on the other hand, have much to anticipate. After long hours of testimony and preparation, the extraction of old memories, and constant fear and heartache, the two women have found a soft repose. After 23 years, the village of Accomarca has finally seen justice, with a small, young victory veined in its wings. Saying, “Good-bye” to the best friends Thanking God for all of the many holidays Celebrated in the adopted country The precaution The escape releases in front of justice It is a kind of science, an artifice EXILE Who can understand Exile if they never experienced it? Do you know what it is to be exiled? How can one eat his fill in good conscience When he knows that his baby suffers hunger? When all this celebrated played back pictures Of the dead Family, neighbors and friends? These images crystallized in the mind as though real. There is not a day that goes by remembered. Homeland. EXILE It will learn many lessons; it will have successes and failures It has the hands emptied As a small child And hope. More importantly, it is better off staying in Santa Monica With the wonderful people She’s found herself, but also finds herself guilty for it… When I remembered my mother’s face and small… When I remember my baby’s face Knowledge of the exile that enriches my own Thanksgiving. PTV CARING FOR SURVIVORS SINCE 1980. Donor List James Angleton Hector Aristizabal Andrew Atkin Marilyn Bailey Robert Bailey Raymond Bakaitis Grant Baker Pam Baker Faith Balentine Norman Barfoot Wendy Barsh Roger Berg Fred Berthold Barbara Bilson Jennifer Boyd Frank Bradford Ryan Brewster Ursula Brooks Sandra Casillas Sheila Clemons Matthew Close Louis Colen Leonard Comess Seyed Dastoum Alison Davis Ana Deutsch Roni Deutsch Tomás Deutsch Howard Dickler Margaret Dunham Lisa Ellison Carolmae Encherman Margareta Ericksen Tim Everett David Fisher Joel Forman Charlie Frankel Paula Free Niels Frenzen Lenore Gaire Frank Galvan Carmen Garcia-Lafuente David Gardner Phyllis Glock Marilyn Goldenberg Ralph Goldstein Ana Greenberg Eileen Growald Raymond Gunter Madith Hamilton Julian Hanberg Shawn Haynes Elizabeth Hirsch Margaret Jacob Ellen Jenkins Jane Kaczmarek Christopher King Norman King Paul Kujawsky Thao Lam Maxine Lapiduss Holly Lebed Adam Levine David Levinson George Lewis David Lloyd Beatriz Loiederman Edythe London Ken Louria Betty Lussier Tom McMaster Silvia Mejlszenkier Nina Miller Mariafiore Miotto Peter Miriani Marilyn Nelson Remy O`Neill David Oliver Lisa Pahl Soo Park Elizabeth Price Nora Quinn Jose Quiroga Stephen Rabin Cynthia Ramsey Paul Rathje Barak Raviv Kenneth Reich Lynne Rubin Andy Schwarz Mariam Shehab Evelyn Sherman Sharon Siegel Ben Silverman Franco Simplicio Shannon Smith Ann Swanson Midei Toriyama Charlene Turner Elsa Vasquez Pamela Weinberger Marc Williams Mary Williams Bruce Wisnicki Kevin Yoshida Badie Youssef Saul Ziperovich Natalie Zucker Felice Dresner Cat Scott, MD John Briere, Ph.D. Todd Franke, Ph.D. Jene Moio, Ph.D. Tomas Deutsch Eric Wat Brigitte Perreault Esabelle Mikhail Arthur Camplone, Ph.D. Professional Volunteers Kenneth Hirsch, D.M.D. Preedar O’Reggio, M.D. Naomi Wolman, M.D. Laila Al-Marayati, M.D. Sergio Fuenzalida, M.D. Luis Pantoja, M.D. Francisca Garcia, M.D. Kenneth Chuang, M.D. Kendra Gorlitsky, M.D. Margaret E. Perez DC QME Shawn Sedaghat, Esq. Liana Harutounian, Esq. Julia-Lauren Melvin-McCann Chris C. Hartzler, Ph.D. Claudia Ahumada Degratis, Ph.D. NON PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID LOS ANGELES CA PERMIT # 776243 3655 South Grand Avenue, Suite 290 Los Angeles CA 90007 our mission To alleviate the suffering and health consequences of statesponsored torture through medical, psychological, and case management services to torture survivors.