UN To Quiz Washington On Torture - First Time Since 2000

[kpete]

UN to quiz Washington on torture

Tough questions are likely to be asked about Guantanamo Bay
The US is due to appear before the UN Committee on Torture for the first time since launching its war on terror following the 9/11 attacks.

'Huge significance'

This is the first time since 2000 that the US has testified publicly before the committee, which, as a signatory to the UN Convention against Torture, it is required to do.

Ten legal experts will cross-examine the US team, led by state department legal adviser John Bellinger in public hearings that are due to continue until Monday.

The hearings have huge significance, says Jennifer Daskal of Human Rights Watch.

"What makes this so remarkable is that this is the first time the United States is accountable for its record on torture with regard to some of the practices implemented after 9/11," she says.

more at:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4974852.stm

[katinmn]

1. I hope the UN Committee on Torture pulls out their

Colbert's Balls.