51 in Congress Call for Independent Investigation of Secret Detentions
Via Raw Story, 51, count them, 51 members of Congress have signed a letter authored by Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) asking Attorney General Alberto Gonzales to apoint a special counsel to investigate U.S. actions in the torture scandals and in maintaining secret detention facilities abroad. The question: Did the U.S. violate the War Crimes Act? The first paragraph:
We are writing to request that you appoint a special counsel to investigate whether high-ranking officials within the Bush Administration violated the War Crimes Act, 18 U.S.C. 2441, or the Anti-Torture Act, 18 U.S.C. 2340 by allowing the use of torture techniques banned by domestic and international law at recognized and secret detention sites in Iraq, Afghanistan Guantanamo Bay and elsewhere.
One of the last paragraphs:
The public interest demands we determine who is ultimately responsible for these abuses. While Private Lynndie England and other low-ranking officers have pled guilty, those who ordered and authorized their actions appear to have been protected by the military and this Administration. Because so many high level officials, including you, have been implicated in these events, the only way to ensure impartiality is through the appointment of a Special Counsel. Indeed, our nation's integrity is at stake. We must reassure the world that we will fairly and independently pursue legal violations wherever they occur.
Check the list of signers....our favorites are all there. I'm especially glad to see Colorado Reps. Diana DeGette and Mark Udall names on the list. If you see your Representative, send them off a quick thank e-mail.
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