Victims' Center calls for independent investigation of torture

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

EMILY JOHNS

Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS - A Minnesota group that helps international victims of torture called for an independent investigation into allegations of prisoner abuse in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

The Minneapolis-based Center for Victims of Torture is sending letters to President Bush and the Minnesota congressional delegation, asking for an independent commission to investigate. The group also said Sunday that the U.S. must provide torture victims with legal help and medical and psychological rehabilitation.

Under recent mounting criticism, White House and Pentagon officials have been defending the conditions and treatment of detainees at Guantanamo Bay almost daily. On Sunday, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld told NBC's "Meet the Press" that an independent investigation into conditions there doesn't make sense.

Over the weekend, Republicans and Democrats visited Guantanamo Bay to view the conditions for themselves. An estimated 540 detainees are in Cuba - some have been held for three years without being charged with any crimes.

more: http://www.duluthsuperior.com/mld/duluthsuperior/news/politics/11992739.htm