Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

CIA Denies Cheney Request for Torture Docs

Bush-era order on docs under pending litigation stymies ex-VP

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted May 14, 2009 2:04 PM CDT

(Newser) – The CIA today denied Dick Cheney’s request that documents possibly proving the effectiveness of enhanced interrogation techniques be declassified, MSNBC reports. An executive order “excludes from review information that is the subject of pending litigation,” the CIA said. The two documents “contain information that falls into that category.” The order was signed by former President Bush, the New York Daily News adds.

“For that reason—and that reason only—CIA did not accept Mr. Cheney's request for a Mandatory Declassification Review,” the agency continued. “The Agency simply followed the Executive Order. This request was handled in accordance with normal practice by CIA professionals with long experience in information management and release. It was for them a straightforward issue.”

CIA Director Leon E. Panetta.
CIA Director Leon E. Panetta.   (AP Photo)
Former Vice President Dick Cheney recently.
Former Vice President Dick Cheney recently.   (AP Photo)
Former Vice President Dick Cheney in January.
Former Vice President Dick Cheney in January.   (AP Photo)
Declassified documents from the the CIA.
Declassified documents from the the CIA.   (AP Photo)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 6 comments
Fondue
May 15, 2009 12:28 PM CDT
I completely agree. They have a million escape clauses to save their arses - and all in the name of the People. It's disgusting.
kokuaguy
May 15, 2009 7:54 AM CDT
Yes, I have to agree with the cynics... priceless!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AnnieChrist
May 14, 2009 8:40 AM CDT
On the other hand, cheney may not want the docs released because they show the torture was not effective. By requesting what he knows he cannot obtain, his propaganda touting the effectiveness of torture can remain unchallenged.

More Newser Stories

Prosecute Bush, Cronies: Human Rights Watch

CIA Promised to Cover $5M in Legal Fees for Waterboarders

Bush to CIA: 'Damn Right' You Can Waterboard Suspects

Bush Considered Dumping Cheney in '04

Joe Klein: Gulf Spill Is Bush's 2nd Katrina


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne