Global detention system: Stopping the Torture

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In an attempt to still increasing criticism regarding the abuse of prisoners held within the global detention system, on November 8, 2005, the Department of Defense announced the release of DoD Directive 3115.09, "DoD Intelligence Interrogations, Detainee Debriefings, and Tactical Questioning." The Directive, begun in December 2004, was signed November 3, 2005, by Acting Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon R. England.

The new Directive "takes the lessons learned in the global war on terrorism and consolidates them into one overarching document," Department of Defense officials said November 8, 2005. "The bottom line, according to the document, is that 'all intelligence interrogations, debriefings, or tactical questioning to gain intelligence from captured or detained personnel shall be conducted humanely'." "Acts of physical or mental torture are prohibited," as is "the use of dogs in any interrogation." [1]

"The nine-page directive also establishes requirements for reporting violations of the policy, and stresses that interrogations will be done in accordance with applicable law and policy. The document defines applicable law and policy, including the 'law of war, relevant international law, U.S. law, and applicable directives.'" The directive also "references DoD Directive 2310.01, 'DoD Detainee Program,' which is being rewritten ... [and is currently] going through policy coordination." [2]

Related Links

"We do not torture"

On November 7, 2005, President George W. Bush, while in Panama, told reporters "'There's an enemy that lurks and plots and plans and wants to hurt America again, ... So you bet we will aggressively pursue them but we will do so under the law.'" Bush declared "We do not torture."

"'Our country is at war and our government has the obligation to protect the American people,' Bush said. 'Any activity we conduct is within the law. We do not torture.'"

In a November 21, 2005, USA Today interview, Porter Goss, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, said that CIA "interrogators use 'unique' methods to obtain 'vital' information from prisoners, but strictly obey laws against torture."

"'This agency does not do torture. Torture does not work, ... We use lawful capabilities to collect vital information and we do it in a variety of unique and innovative ways, all of which are legal and none of which are torture,' Goss told the newspaper."

Related Links

Congressional Action: Ban on Torture

External links

Websites

Prisoner Data Base

The names of prisoners detained in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, is posted on the Washington Post website, with the most recent update November 7, 2005.

Links Specific to Prisoner Abuse