CIA would disobey waterboarding orders, says Brennan
The US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) will not resort to waterboarding as an "enhanced interrogation" practice against detainees, even if ordered by a future US president, says the director of the spy agency.
CIA chief John Brennan told NBC News on Sunday that he “absolutely” would not agree to having “any CIA officer carrying out waterboarding again.”
“I will not agree to carry out some of these tactics and techniques I’ve heard bandied about because this institution needs to endure,” he added.
A 2014 report released by the Senate Intelligence Committee detailed the torture tactics used by the CIA, including extensive use of waterboarding.
The brutal practice, which mimics the sensation of drowning, was first allowed during former US president George W. Bush’s administration for terror suspects. President Barack Obama banned it days after taking office in 2009.
Brennan’s comments come at a time when leading US presidential candidates have stirred controversy by either endorsing or refusing to rule out the use of torture.
Republican front-runner Donald Trump has repeatedly advocated torture, saying he would “absolutely” bring back waterboarding “and even more.”
The billionaire mogul argues that Washington should ease bans on torture since "we have an enemy that does not play by the laws.”
“If they could expand the laws, I would do a lot more than waterboarding. You have to get the information from people,” he told NBC last month.
US Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, Trump’s chief rival, has gone one step further, saying he does not even consider waterboarding to be torture.
Cruz says he would “use whatever enhanced interrogation methods we could to keep this country safe.”
The two Democratic candidates for president, former secretary of state Hillary Clinton and Senator Bernie Sanders, have both condemned the use of torture.
Last month, the UN torture investigator voiced concern about the US Republican presidential candidates’ call for authorizing the use of torture, saying it is a violation of domestic and international law.
Students protest at US universities to urge end in financial ties to Israel
Pro-Gaza protesters in NY's Columbia University stay put despite intimidation, crackdown
Arrest and harassment: US intensifies crackdown on pro-Gaza protests in universities
Iran, Russia sign MoU to strengthen security cooperation
VIDEO | Iran marks defeat of US military operation in Tabas Desert
VIDEO | Press TV's news headlines
US troopers crack down on pro-Palestinian protests at University of Texas
VIDEO | German warship departs Red Sea as EU 'naval mission' fails
VIDEO | Palestinians inspect rubble of destroyed building in Rafah
Yemeni forces strike US, Israeli vessels in fresh pro-Palestinian operations
‘Say no to Biden’: US college being pressed not to endorse genocide
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
