Ashcroft refuses to give Congress torture memo

[Barrett808]

WASHINGTON (AFP) - The US Attorney General refused to give lawmakers copies of a Justice Department memo that allegedly advised the White House that torture during 'war on terror' interrogations could be justified.

The Washington Post said an August 2002 memo sent by the Justice Department in response to a Central Intelligence Agency request for legal guidance said international laws against torture "may be unconstitutional if applied to interrogations" conducted in the war on terrorism.

But Attorney General John Ashcroft refused to provide the memo to lawmakers on the Senate Judiciary Committee.

"We believe that to provide this kind of information would impair the ability of advice-giving in the executive branch to be candid, forthright, thorough and accurate at all times," Ashcroft said.

Ashcroft told lawmakers that while "this administration rejects torture," he said he could not provide specific details of communications between his office and the White House.

(more)

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/afp/20040608/pl_afp/us_iraq_prisoners_memo&cid=1521&ncid=1480

[Beetwasher]

1. I'm Exasperated. I'm Spent.

Is anyone going to hold them accountable? This is too much...

[bemildred]

5. Congress can and will hold them accountable, if it so chooses. nt

[eface]

6. Does this suprise you?

Ashcroft will never be held to the higher plain of truth or justice. He and his ilk do this because "we don't know any better?" What garbage. He should be dismissed! The only person to loose to a dead guy- what do you expect?

[Beetwasher]

10. No, It's Not Surprising, But It's Still Sickening

n/t

[salin]

John Ashcroft finally admints: It was NEVER about the rule of law.

and ... the constitution (and seperation of powers) is dead to the bushies.

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

2. Perhaps now...

The calls for Ashcroft's impeachment will start in congress?

Nah.

[Kadie]

3. Of course, this administration only shares info with foreign leaders

not with our own congress.

[Fovea]

4. Ashcroft handed grenade without pin by Senate.

Returns to Oval office to discuss problem with Bush and Cheney.

[stevedeshazer]

7. Contempt of Congress

If ANY of these senators of EITHER party had the guts, Ashcroft's own deputies would be frog-walking him out of that hearing. :grr:

[Just Me]

8. I am telling you,...this administration totally freaks me out!!!

They have completely abused their powers!!!

They show no respect for a real democracy.

They are feakin' despots!!!

I cannot believe these people are running this country!

Damn.

[DinahMoeHum]

9. Arrogant mofo.

n/t

:evilfrown:

[Moderator]

11. Duplicate topic, please add your link to the discussion here, thanks

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x609884