Levin on DOJIG Report

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“Some have suggested that the abuse of detainees in U.S. custody was simply the result of a few bad apples acting on their own. The report released today by the Department of Justice Inspector General is proof that that is simply not true.

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“The IG found that scores of FBI agents observed the use of harsh interrogation techniques in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo Bay. Those techniques included removal of clothing, sleep deprivation, exposing detainees to extreme temperatures, use of stress positions, and the use of military working dogs.

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“FBI agents sounded the alarm about harsh techniques. However, while the IG’s report says that concerns were raised with FBI headquarters, at senior levels of the Department of Justice, and with military commanders, the IG’s three-year investigation found, at least at GTMO, “no evidence that the FBI’s concerns influenced DOD interrogation practices.” That finding is deeply troubling.

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“The report also concluded that the FBI and the Department of Justice could have “pressed harder” to resolve their agents’ concerns about detainee treatment. Given the abuses that occurred and the damage done to U.S. interests as a result of those abuses, it is disappointing that FBI and DOJ leadership did not act effectively when the issue was before them.”