Petraeus Restates Support for Closing Guantanamo, Banning Torture

Washington, DC – Today, during a Joint Senate and House Intelligence Committees hearing on threats against the United States since 9/11, CIA Director David Petraeus made clear his continued opposition to the use of torture during interrogations and his support for the closure of the U.S. detention facility at Guantanamo Bay.  Following the hearing, Human Rights First’s C. Dixon Osburn issued the following statement: “Director Petraeus has a long and distinguished record of opposing torture and the Guantanamo detention facility because he knows that both undermine our country’s national security. We praise him for reiterating his opposition to these policies today before the Joint Intelligence Committee.  As he tackles the challenges of his new role, we urge Director Petraeus to help restore America’s reputation as a leader in human rights and the rule of law. A good first step would be a full investigation into reports that the CIA continues to be involved in detention and interrogation operations in Somalia that may violate domestic and international law. The findings of such an investigation should be made public and he should take steps to address any violations of the law that come to light.”