Introducing: Raj Purohit

I am thrilled introduce Raj Purohit (left), of Citizens for Global Solutions, to americantorture.com. Raj has an impressive background standing up for human rights and currently administers the important anti-torture campaign site: endtorture.net.

Raj started at Citizens for Global Solutions (CGS) as a Senior Fellow in Summer 2005. He runs the International Law & Justice Program at CGS and also heads the Foreign Policy for the 21st Century Initiative. Most recently, Raj was Legislative Director for Human Rights First, where he was responsible for leading the organization's advocacy efforts at the Congressional and Executive levels, with a focus on international relations, judiciary and security issues. Raj helped develop and implement new legislative initiatives and lobbying strategies. He also represented Human Rights First in a range of coalitions, including the Washington Working Group on the International Criminal Court, and was a media spokesperson.

Before joining Human Rights First, Raj served as Legislative Director for the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He has also served as Director of Legal Services at the Center on Conscience and War. Raj received his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) from Sussex University (1995) and his LL.M. in International Legal Studies from American University, Washington College of Law (1997), where he also teaches.

Raj will be adding his own commentary to news relating to the torture issue and will help americantorture.com keep up to date with the day's top stories. Check out his postings below, many more to follow!