Council on American-Islamic Relations Seeks ‘Accountability’ Following Release of Senate Torture Report

WASHINGTON, D.C.–(ENEWSPF)–December 9, 2014. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today said a long-awaited report from the Senate Intelligence Committee on the CIA’s use of torture in the years following the 9/11 terror attacks should prompt “accountability,” along with changes in law and government policies.

A 600-page summary from the 6,000-page report has been declassified after months of disputes between the committee and the CIA over redactions. It concludes that the CIA repeatedly tortured detainees, including using the simulated drowning technique called “waterboarding.” The report also concludes that the information gathered using torture produced no security benefits and accuses the CIA of repeatedly lying to Congress, the White House and the American public.

SEE: Committee Study of the Central Intelligence Agency’s Detention and Interrogation Program

In a statement, CAIR said:

“This disturbing report clearly demonstrates the need for those who approved of and carried out this campaign of torture to be held accountable for their actions. It also shows that strong legal and policy measures need to be enacted in order to prevent such illegal actions being taken during any future security crisis.”

“Torture is not an American value. We should not be questioning whether or not it worked, but why we ever used such brutal and illegal interrogation techniques.”

The Washington-based civil rights organization plans to review the summary report and urges the Senate Intelligence Committee to release the full report to ensure full disclosure and transparency of America’s counterterrorism and torture programs.

CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.