Statement of the Indiana Peace and Justice Network on CPT volunteers kidnapped in Baghdad

The Indiana Peace and Justice Network wishes to express deep concern about the health and safety of four members of the Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) who are missing in Baghdad, Iraq:Tom Fox, 54, of Clearbrook, Virginia, USA
Norman Kember, 74, of London, UK
James Looney, 41, of Toronto, Canada
Harmeet Singh Sooden, 32, of Montreal, Canada

These individuals were in Baghdad working for CPT, an international humanitarian organization that sends teams to address human rights issues in countries throughout the world. CPT has consistently opposed the continuing presence of multinational forces in Iraq and have focused attention on the devastating effect of the war on Iraq’s civilian population. They were one of the first organizations to expose and denounce the abuse of detainees under U.S. control in Iraq.

CPT is not a missionary organization and is not part of any government. CPT volunteers make sacrifices, take risks, and dedicate their lives to promoting peace and human rights throughout the world. Further information about CPT can be found at their website: http://www.cpt.org/

The Indiana Peace and Justice Network (IPJN) is a coalition of more than 30 organizations in the State of Indiana committed to non-violent solutions to international conflicts and human rights for all – principles we share with CPT. Members of IPJN have worked with CPT members from our state and can attest to their sincerity, integrity and dedication.

We urgently appeal to the U.S. Government and to the international community to use whatever diplomatic channels exist to bring about the immediate release of these four individuals. We urgently appeal to those who may be holding these individuals to understand that these four men wish the Iraqi people no harm and to allow them to return to their families and loved ones as soon as possible.