Coalition Calls For Post-Conviction Hearings On Burge Cases

Debra Dale Reporting

CHICAGO (WBBM) -- A coalition of more than 250 local and national organization and individuals, including political leaders, lawyers, and community activists call on Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan to agree to post-conviction hearings for 25 inmates who were alleged victims of police torture.

That is one recommendation of a report released today (Wednesday) called "Torture in Chicago: A supplementary report on the on-going failure of government officials to adequately deal with the scandal."

The report also urges the Chicago City Council to immediately terminate funding for the defense of former Police Commander Jon Burge and his subordinates and, together with Cook County, to establish a fund for reparations for torture victims.

The report claims that more then $52 million in public funds has been spent to date by the city and Cook County in connection with the ongoing torture scandal.

The report also calls for the U.S. Attorney to bring indictments against John Byrne, Peter Dignan, and other police officers implicated in the torture scandal; the Cook County Board to reconvene hearings to investigate the role of the Cook County State's Attorney's office; and the Fraternal Order of Police cease providing for the criminal defense of Burge or any other implicated officer whom it it not contractually obligated to represent.

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