Attorney General Eric Holder has opened a preliminary
investigation into interrogation techniques used by CIA
personnel against detainees. (AP Photo/Pablo
Martinez Monsivais)
Memos penned under the late, unlamented Bush administration authorizing the use of torture against people suspected of (but not convicted of) engaging in terrorism are making the rounds -- and political waves. The U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Professional Responsibility has recommended the government revisit past decisions against prosecuting Central Intelligence Agency personnel for their conduct during the interrogation of detainees. In response, Attorney General Eric Holder approved a preliminary review in the matter to determine if federal law was violated. The review, which will be led by Assistant United States Attorney John Durham, may lead to a full review, which may lead to prosecution.
So what's all the fuss about? How did those memos trigger such turmoil? Well, you can dig through the documents yourself, which include such highlights as the following fine words sent by Steven Bradbury, Acting Assistant Attorney General, OLC, to John A. Rizzo, General Counsel CIA, on May 10, 2005:
In Techniques, we concluded that the individual authorized' use of several specific interrogation techniques, subject to a variety of limitations and safeguards, would not violate the statute when employed in the interrogation of a specific member of al Qaeda, though we concluded that at least in certiain respects two of the techniques presented substantial questions under sections 2340-2340A. The techniques that we analyzed were dietary manipulation, nudity, the attention grasp, walling, the facial hold, the facial slap or insult sIap, the abdominal slap, cramped confinement, wall standing, stress positions, water dousing, extended sleep deprivation, and the "waterboard."
Or, if you want the short version, you can listen to excerpts read by narrators, including Oliver Stone, in the brief video below, which was prepared by the American Civil Liberties Union.
email J.D.: civilliberties (at) tuccille.com
You might also enjoy these
Civil Liberties Examiner is now on Facebook!
Or follow the latest civil liberties news on Twitter: Libertywriter
Comments
Don't be too quick to applaud. What is the first thing every newly ascendant tyranny does?
They either kill or imprison their previous political opponents. And the functionaries of the previous administrations. Especially if direct attack on the hierarchy of the previous regime is still too strong to allow success.
Cut off the legs, sow fear and come back for more when the previously untouchable have been weakened. So, don't applaud too damn quickly, this appears to be far more political and power gathering than any belief in justice.
Wow, Hollywood glitterati beg us to demand responsibility (from "These People, Who Must Not Be Named") and restore the rule of law. We gotta DO that, Maw, it's FAMOUS people askin' us!
This is nothing but We Are The World, directed by the Obama administration. The only group I trust less than the people who authorized these tortuous acts is the group who has always wanted to lynch them and now sees its chance.
falsifing identities of unsuspecting people,using these people as tools for fighting crime,is, BS! White collar crime by the dirty old boys and girls network,MUST TO STOPPED!
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!