The University Network for Human Rights (UNHR) will host a press conference on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, ahead of a landmark public hearing before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR). The hearing -- "United States: Freedom of Expression and the Right to Peaceful Assembly" -- marks the first time the Commission has held a thematic hearing focused specifically on this issue in the United States. It is also the only hearing focused on the United States during the Commission's current session. “For years, the Commission has heard testimony about attacks on protesters carried out by some of the region’s most repressive dictatorships. Now, it is the United States that will be called to answer for these abuses,” said James Cavallaro, ex-President of the IACHR.
The Commission will hear directly from victims, their attorneys, and experts on excessive force used by the United States to suppress freedom of expression and peaceful assembly during immigration-related protests. The United States government is expected to participate and respond to testimonies by petitioners and questions from Commissioners. The hearing will take place on August 4, 2026, from 4:00–5:30 p.m. EDT at IACHR Headquarters, 1889 F Street NW, Washington, DC.
WHAT: Press Conference on IACHR Hearing on Excessive Use of Force by U.S. Agents
WHEN: Tuesday, August 4, 2026, 2:00–3:30 p.m. EDT
WHERE: Regus, 1500 K Street NW, Room MR-239, Washington, DC 20005
Virtual Participation link here
RSVP here.
WHO: Speakers include:
- James Cavallaro, Executive Director, University Network for Human Rights; former Commissioner (2014–2017) and President (2016–2017) of the IACHR
- Antonio Romanucci, civil rights attorney representing the family of Renée Good and former counsel to the family of George Floyd
- Rev. David Black, witness struck in the head with a pepper-ball projectile by federal agents while protesting outside the Broadview Detention Facility in Chicago
- Locke Bowman, attorney for Rev. David Black
- Susan Akram, Director, International Human Rights Clinic, Boston University
- Naureen Shah, Director of Government Affairs, Equality Division at the ACLU
This content originally appeared on Common Dreams and was authored by Newswire Editor.