From a year ago - FBI: We Warned About Torture of Detainees

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/04/24/national/main4039946.shtml

April 24, 2008

(AP) FBI Director Robert Mueller on Wednesday recalled warning the Justice Department and the Pentagon that some U.S. interrogation methods used against terrorists might be inappropriate, if not illegal.

Mueller's comments came under pointed questioning by House Democrats demanding to know if the Federal Bureau of Investigation tried to stop interrogations in 2002 that critics define as torture.

Mueller said the FBI does not use coercive techniques when questioning suspects or witnesses, and he reportedly pulled his agents out of CIA or military interrogations several years ago to protect them from legal consequences.

FBI protocol "wouldn't engage in torture," said Rep. Stephen Cohen, a Democrat. "But if you find out that other agencies may engage in torture, that you believe is illegal - does your protocol include informing those agencies that you believe their actions are illegal?"

"Yes," Mueller answered.

[Ilsa]

1. Thanks. This clarified the FBI's lack of involvement in the torture matter. nt