The Advocates Calls for Investigation into Extrajudicial Killing
The Advocates for Human Rights is devastated by another extrajudicial killing in Minnesota. We call for a prompt, effective, independent, impartial, and transparent investigation into DHS's killing of Alex Pretti, as required under international law. Such investigations are crucial not only to provide justice for those harmed but are also a key part of preventing future extrajudicial killings. The federal government's refusal to investigate Renee Good's killing directly contributed to today's death. We also call for the immediate withdrawal of all federal paramilitary forces from Minnesota.
Yesterday, The Advocates for Human Rights filed a friend-of-the-court brief in Minnesota v. Noem (0:26-cv-00190-KMM-DJF) outlining numerous violations of international human rights law by federal officials in the course of Operation Metro Surge. Today, we are witness to another extrajudicial killing on the streets of Minneapolis.
International human rights law is clear: "Every human being has the inherent right to life. This right shall be protected by law. No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of [their] life." International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, art. 6.1.
According to the UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, “the duty to investigate an unlawful death has assumed customary status in international law." Investigations into potentially unlawful deaths must be prompt, effective and thorough, independent and impartial, and transparent. In 1983, as its very first project, The Advocates developed international standards regarding death investigations. What came to be known as the Minnesota Protocol on the Investigation of Potentially Unlawful Death is now the worldwide standard for investigation of state-involved killings.
The investigation into Saturday's shooting in Minnesota must comply with international law, including the standards developed here to ensure that extrajudicial killings cannot happen with impunity.
