USA must closely scrutinize CIA deputy director’s alleged torture links | WPN World People News

Following the Trump administration’s appointment of Gina Haspel as Deputy Director of the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas Director at Amnesty International, said:

“Reports that Gina Haspel directed the alleged CIA ‘black site’ in Thailand, at a time when detainees held there were subjected to torture and enforced disappearance, as well as a possible role in the destruction of evidence of such crimes under international law, raise extremely serious concerns.

“This announcement comes on the heels of President Trump’s recent vocal support for torture, and means all indicators are flashing red.

“These allegations are serious and must be subject to close scrutiny. No one should be appointed to a position where they could interfere in the investigation of or facilitate the concealment crimes under international law.

“With all the Trump administration’s talk of ‘extreme vetting’, they must not fail to vet public officials for their ability to uphold the US constitution and international law.

“The Obama administration’s failure to conduct investigations into alleged torture, enforced disappearance and other crimes under international law committed in the CIA’s secret detention programme does not mean that those suspected of involvement in these crimes are in the clear. Rather, it now falls on the Trump administration to order independent and impartial investigations and hold those responsible to account, irrespective of rank or status.”

source: Amnesty International