09/03/2011: UN expert urges 'serious' US probe of torture

[Solly Mack]

The UN expert of torture on Wednesday called on US President Barack Obama to hold a serious investigation into abuses allegedly committed under the previous US administration's "war on terror".

Juan Mendez, the UN special rapporteur on torture and cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment, stressed that Washington had the primary responsibility for investigating and prosecuting abuse under its jurisdiction.

"I will continue to insist that, even though some meritorious initiatives have been taken by President Obama to reverse some of the practices of the past, one thing that has not happened is a serious investigation of what took place during the so-called 'war on terror'," he told journalists.

"I think I can join the many civil rights and civil society organisations in the United States that have been calling for that investigation to take place," added Mendez, who only took up the UN post last September."

[chill_wind]

1. Investigate. Or Protect, Harbor, and Condone.

K & R.

[EFerrari]

2. K&R

[Vincardog]

3. Investigate and prosecute or be complicit

[damntexdem]

4. One of the chief sins of the Obama Administration.

And it's original sin -- policy in place right from the start of the Administration.

[hootinholler]

5. We are oblidged by treaty to conduct these investigations in good faith.

:grr:

-Hoot