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Senate Grills Mukasey Today on Waterboarding

Posted Jan 30, 08 3:43 AM CST in World,  Politics 

(Newser) – A high-noon face off is looming today between Attorney General Michael Mukasey and the Senate Judiciary Committee over waterboarding, the simulated drowning interrogation technique that many consider torture. Committee chair Patrick Leahy said Mukasey faces "serious questions" on the issue at today's hearing. But Mukasey has warned Leahy in a letter that he will not tell the Senate whether or not waterboarding is illegal.

"I understand the strong interest, but I do not think it would be responsible for me to provide an answer," Mukasey wrote. "There are some circumstances where current law would appear clearly to prohibit the use of waterboarding. Other circumstances would present a far closer question."

Source Associated Press

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Abu Zubaydah a senior al-Qaeda figure reported to have been subjected to the waterboarding technique during interrogation.   (Associated Press)
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Sen. Patrick Leahy right, with Attorney General Michael Mukasey. Mukasey said Tuesday he will refuse to publicly say whether waterboarding is illegal. (AP Photos/Susan...   (Associated Press)
Attorney General Michael Mukasey addresses the American Bar Association's Standing Committee on Law and National Security at the University Club in Washington. Mukasey said Tuesday he will refuse to publicly...   (Associated Press)
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CIA  • Department of Justice  • torture  • Michael Mukasey  • Attorney General  • waterboarding  • interrogation techniques  • Senate Judiciary Committee  • interrogation  • Abu Zubaydah  • Military Commissions Act  • Abd al Rahim al-Nashiri


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