No Penalties For Torture?

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Published on Friday, 17 April 2009

Written by ACLU

Disturbing secret memos released yesterday detail the sadistic interrogation methods the Bush administration authorized the CIA to use on detainees. These memos provide shocking confirmation of high-level involvement in the Bush torture program.

It's appalling to see how far our nation strayed from our commitment to human rights. To restore our values we must demand accountability from those responsible.

The last thing America can do now is adopt a "let bygones be bygones" approach to these despicable and indefensible activities.

In America, no one is above the law -- and when crimes have been committed, our legal system demands accountability.

It took five long years for the ACLU to force these memos out into the open. And, no matter how long it takes, we're going to keep pushing until those responsible for these heinous acts are held accountable.

Enforcing the law is not a political decision. In America, there aren't seasons when we enforce the law and other seasons when we simply ignore it.

Slamming people against walls. Placing them in stress positions for prolonged periods. Waterboarding them. These are the kinds of "enhanced interrogation techniques" that these outrageous memos seek to justify.

In short, as one of the Bush torture memos openly acknowledges, they seek to permit activities that our own State Department routinely condemns as torture.

We can't just say "Tsk. Tsk. That should never have happened" and walk away. We must demonstrate our commitment to the rule of law and demand accountability if our country is going to move forward.

We need your continued support to make sure those who broke the law by authorizing these heinous crimes are brought to justice. As a Guardian of Liberty, your small, monthly gift can provide the support we need to be successful in this work.

It will be a long and difficult fight -- but it is the only way to restore our values at home and our reputation abroad.

Thank you for standing with us,

Anthony D. Romero
Executive Director
American Civil Liberties Union

P.S. It was up to you and the ACLU to force the release of these memos. And it's up to us to make sure those who authorized and condoned torture are held to account.

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