Doctors “calibrated” pain for CIA interrogations

[Jan Klimkowski]

Then, it was known those involved understood how they could be prosecuted for violating international law. As an April 16, 2003, memo from Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld explained

“Caution: the use of isolation as an interrogation technique requires detailed implementation instructions, including specific guidelines regarding the length of isolation, medical and psychological review, and approvals for extension of the length of by the appropriate level in the chain of command. This technique is not know to have been generally used for interrogation purposes for longer than 30 days. Those nations that believe that detainees are subject to POW protections may view use of this technique as inconsistent with the requirements of Geneva III, Article 13 which provides that POWs must be protected against acts of intimidation; Article 14 which provides that POWs are entitled to respect for their person; Article 34 which prohibits coercion and Article 126 which ensures access and basic standards of treatment. Although the provisions of Geneva are not applicable to the interrogation of unlawful combatants, consideration should be given to these views prior to application of this technique.”

The report is yet another indication of the need for more investigation, accountability, and reform from the Obama Administration.

My bold highlighting.

In other words, the treatment of these prisoners was clearly in breach of the Geneva Convention on several counts. Therefore, the Bush regime and its lackey lawyers and shrinks unilaterally decided that Geneva did not apply.