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For Immediate Release
Contact:

Michael T. McPhearson, Veterans For Peace

Executive Director, 314-725-6005, mcphearson@veteransforpeace.org

Veterans Group Applauds Release of Detention and Interrogation Program Report

Veterans For Peace issued a statement praising the recent release of a U.S. Senate report detailing incidents of torture and detention by the CIA. The organization, "calls for a full investigation and accountability of officials at the highest levels for the authorizations and execution of torture techniques by the CIA and its international partners."

St. Louis, MO

Veterans For Peace issued a statement praising the recent release of a U.S. Senate report detailing incidents of torture and detention by the CIA. The organization, "calls for a full investigation and accountability of officials at the highest levels for the authorizations and execution of torture techniques by the CIA and its international partners."

"We understand that there was tremendous pressure placed on government officials and leaders after the September 11, 2001 tragedy to keep people safe and find the perpetrators," said Michael T. McPhearson, Executive Director of the group. He went on to say, "But that is no excuse for breaking the law and trampling on the values our nation professes to uphold."

"Terror cannot be ended with more terror," commented Veterans For Peace President Patrick McCann.

McCann continued, "Torture and holding innocent people for indefinite periods is terror. Abu Ghraib was the most visible example of U.S. torture policies. Unfortunately it did not start or end there. Those claiming this report places lives in danger should hold accountable the people who designed and authorized torture as acceptable. Their actions are responsible for any retaliation."

Veterans For Peace advocates for the U.S. to adhere to the treatment of detainees as outlined in the 1949 Geneva Conventions. A resolution passed by their 2004 national convention states, "Be it further resolved that all parties who bear responsibility for the torture of 'detainees' be prosecuted to the fullest extent under the laws of the United States of America and International Laws including War Crime Statutes."

"As former service members we are always told we defended the constitution and American values. Torture is the opposite of those values. Veterans For Peace continues to defend those values and the human rights of all people," stated McPhearson.

Veterans For Peace is a global organization of Military Veterans and allies whose collective efforts are to build a culture of peace by using our experiences and lifting our voices. We inform the public of the true causes of war and the enormous costs of wars, with an obligation to heal the wounds of wars. Our network is comprised of over 140 chapters worldwide whose work includes: educating the public, advocating for a dismantling of the war economy, providing services that assist veterans and victims of war, and most significantly, working to end all wars.

(314) 725-6005