For Immediate Release: September 7, 2011

Contact: Samantha Friedman, office: (202) 265-3000 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

NATO Acts to Prevent Torture
Coalition of people of faith praise “wise decision”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to a forthcoming U.N. report said to reveal allegations that detainees are tortured in certain Afghan jails, NATO is no longer transferring detainees to those jails.  Rev. Richard Killmer, Executive Director of the National Religious Campaign Against Torture, released the following statement today in response to NATO’s decision:

“As people of faith, we are deeply concerned to hear reports of torture and other abuses occurring in Afghan prisons, and we are relieved to see NATO take this important step to prevent further torture.  We are grateful to the United States and to other NATO member states for their participation in this wise decision.  For the U.S. in particular, this decision stands in bold contrast to decisions of the past.  Previously, the U.S. was known to transfer prisoners to other countries to be tortured.  Now, the U.S., as part of NATO, is actively suspending the transfer of prisoners to jails where there are credible allegations of torture.

“However, while this step is important, we must not forget the larger picture.  Just as allegations of torture in Afghan prisons must be investigated, so must the U.S. investigate its own past participation in inflicting torture.  President Obama acted to end torture but has not called for a comprehensive investigation into U.S. use of torture.  A great nation does not hide from the truth.  Our country must establish an independent, non-partisan Commission of Inquiry to investigate the past and make recommendations to prevent torture in the future.

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