Remembering Peter Weiss: A Champion of Human Rights and Accountability
The legal world, and the broader fight for global justice, lost a giant this week with the passing of Peter Weiss.For nearly five decades, Weiss dedicated his life to defending constitutional rights and challenging power structures that perpetuated injustice. His work wasn’t confined to domestic issues; he tirelessly pursued accountability for U.S. actions abroad, leaving an indelible mark on international human rights law.
WeissS career spanned pivotal moments in modern history. He actively worked to dismantle South african apartheid,vehemently opposed the Vietnam war,and championed nuclear disarmament. He also fearlessly took on the complexities of U.S. foreign policy, seeking justice for those harmed by its interventions.
Here’s a glimpse into the breadth of his impactful work:
* Contra War in Nicaragua: Weiss fought for U.S.victims of the U.S.-backed Contras in the 1980s.
* Alien Tort Statute Pioneer: he was instrumental in utilizing the 1789 Alien tort Statute to bring human rights cases against perpetrators, regardless of their location.
* Chilean Coup & Charles Horman Case: He represented U.S. journalists and the family of human rights activist Charles Horman, who was tragically disappeared and killed in Chile following the U.S.-backed September 11th, 1973 coup.
* Kissinger Accountability: Weiss pursued a case against Henry Kissinger and others related to Horman’s death, a pursuit fraught with obstacles.
A recent clip from Democracy Now! highlights the frustrating roadblocks Weiss encountered in the Horman case.
PETER WEISS: “Our case was dismissed as we couldn’t conduct revelation. When you bring any kind of case, civil or criminal, you have to look for the evidence and produce the evidence to the judge or the jury.And everything that we wanted,we were told,was classified and would not be made available to us. So, eventually, the case had to be dismissed.”
This quote, as noted by Peter Kornbluh, a senior analyst at the National Security Archive, underscores a recurring theme in Weiss’s career: the struggle against government secrecy and the fight for openness. Kornbluh described Weiss as “stunning and conscientious,” emphasizing his unwavering commitment to a more just and equitable system.
Weiss, alongside his wife Cora Weiss, was a foundational supporter of progressive institutions like the Center for Constitutional Rights. These organizations have been critical in advancing human rights and holding the U.S. government accountable for its actions globally.
His legacy extends beyond specific cases. He inspired generations of lawyers and activists to challenge injustice,even when facing seemingly insurmountable odds. As Kornbluh eloquently stated, “There’s not enough words to describe how crucial Peter was…and it’s sad to say goodbye to him, but we all continue to be inspired and guided by every deed, good deed, that he did over his entire life.”
Why Peter Weiss’s Work Matters to You
You might be wondering why the work of a human rights lawyer, focused on events decades ago, is relevant today. The principles Weiss championed – accountability, transparency, and the rule of law – are fundamental to a functioning democracy. His cases set precedents that continue to shape international law and influence the pursuit of justice for victims of human rights abuses.
Furthermore, his fight against government secrecy remains critically important in an era of increasing surveillance and classified facts. Weiss’s example reminds us that challenging power, even when difficult, is essential for protecting our freedoms and building a more just world.
(Note: The original article’s concluding remarks about Democracy Now! events have been omitted as they are time-sensitive and don’t contribute to the core message of honoring Peter Weiss’s legacy. Focusing on his life and work provides a more enduring and authoritative piece.)
