US Senate looks at harsh interrogation methods

US Senate looks at harsh interrogation methods
WATCH VIDEO
Source: CCTV.com | 06-18-2008 14:44
The US Senate Armed Services Committee is holding a hearing on methods used to question detainees at Guantanamo Bay. The hearing is the committee's first look at the origins of harsh interrogation methods and how policy decisions were made by the Defense Department.
A Senate investigation says the US military, in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks, pursued abusive interrogation techniques despite stern warnings by several military lawyers that the methods were cruel and illegal.

The findings have drawn fresh criticism of the Pentagon's policies from both Democrats and Republicans.

Lindsey Graham, Republican Senator, said, "The administration's legal analysis on detainees and interrogations following the September 11 attacks will go down in history as some of the most irresponsible and short-sighted legal analysis ever provided to our nation's military and intelligence communities. "

The White House was quick to respond to the Republican senator's remarks.

Tony Fratto, White House spokesman, said, "We have great respect for Lindsey Graham. We're not going to review every legal opinion that has ever been proffered by this government. I'm telling you what our policy has been to deal with these detainees humanely, get the information from them that we can to protect this country."

The panel is expected to hold further hearings and release a final report by the end of the year.




Editor:Du Xiaodan

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• US
• Guantanamo
• Bay
• Prison
• human
• rights