FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 24, 2009

CONTACT: Christin Roach, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 202-822-5200
                  or Rev. Richard Killmer, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 207-450-7242                         

National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT)
Says Shocking CIA Inspector General Report Demonstrates
Need for a Commission of Inquiry

(Washington, DC)  In response to the release today of the CIA Inspector General report that describes the abuse of detainees, Rev. Richard L. Killmer, the Executive Director of the National Religious Campaign Against Torture, issued the following statement:

“The Inspector General’s report describes the horrific and illegal abuse of detainees in U.S. custody.  The report goes beyond what has previously been released to describe CIA agents threatening prisoners with death and carrying out a mock execution.  It also describes the use of waterboarding and other methods of torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment.

The report demonstrates conclusively the need for a Commission of Inquiry to investigate our nation’s use of torture, as advocated by the National Religious Campaign Against Torture.  NRCAT has also called upon the Attorney General to undertake a comprehensive investigation for criminal culpability.  

Our country will not end this sordid chapter of American history until we understand the full nature of U.S.-sponsored torture and put safeguards in place to make sure that U.S.-sponsored torture never happens again.  It is our responsibility to assure that future generations of Americans grow up in a country that does not torture.

Torture is always immoral and illegal. Interrogation methods that are moral and legal are also more effective for producing information that is accurate and useful.

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The National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT) is a growing membership organization committed to ending U.S.-sponsored torture, and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment. Since its formation in January 2006, more than 250 religious groups have joined NRCAT, including representatives from the Roman Catholic, evangelical Christian, mainline Protestant, Unitarian, Quaker, Orthodox Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Muslim, Baha'i, Buddhist, and Sikh communities. Members include national denominations and faith groups, regional organizations and local congregations.

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