Rep. Johnson sends POTUS letter on torture

Congressman leads letter urging President Obama to stand firm against use of torture ‘anywhere in the world.’

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) sent a letter to President Barack Obama this week urging the President to stand firm in his opposition to the use of torture anywhere in the world. The letter is signed by more than 30 colleagues.

The letter expresses support for ensuring the United Nations Convention Against Torture applies overseas, to all persons directly or indirectly under control of any U.S. authorities wherever they are located.

After the 9/11 attacks, the Bush Administration wrongly interpreted the U.N. Convention Against Torture to not apply to U.S. detention centers overseas. This interpretation created the conditions that led to well-publicized abuses of detainees in U.S. facilities. In 2009, the Obama Administration issued an executive order that forbade cruel interrogations abroad and made it harder for a future administration to return to the use of torture.

Next month in Geneva, Switzerland, the Obama Administration will make a presentation to the United Nations Committee Against Torture.

Unfortunately, according to news reports, the Administration is considering affirming the misguided Bush Administration interpretation that allows for torture.

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