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July 25, 2008 12:41:29 PM CDT

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CIA Can Skirt Torture Laws, Justice Claims

Posted Apr 27, 08 8:11 AM CDT in US 

(Newser) – International anti-torture laws don't necessarily apply to CIA agents fighting terrorism, the Justice Department has explained to Congress in letters recently made public, reports the New York Times. The letters reveal the White House position that interrogators have some legal "latitude" outside the Geneva Conventions protecting detainees from "outrages upon personal dignity."

The information indicates that Justice Department officials believe cases should be judged individually in part based on the intent of an interrogator—whether it’s to prevent terrorist attacks or to humiliate. One law expert slammed logic which could use terrorism as an excuse for illegal questioning tactics. “What they are saying is that if my intent is to defend the United States rather than to humiliate you, then I have not committed an offense,” he said.

Source New York Times

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Protestors demonstrate the use of waterboarding on a volunteer in front of the Justice Department in Washington last year.   (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, file)
Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden received letters from the Justice Dept. discussing legal interrogation methods.   (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
CIA Director Gen. Michael Hayden speaks with reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2007, following a closed-door meeting with the House Intelligence Committee.   (AP Photo/Lauren Victoria Burke)
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interrogation techniques  • Justice Department  • Central Intelligence Agency


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