US to UN: Torture charges are "so hyperbolic as to be absurd."

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/05/world/05cnd-rights.html?ei=5094&en=a8fc8305054fb252&hp=&ex=1146888000&partner=homepage&pagewanted=print

U.S. Explains Itself to U.N. on Torture Charges
By TOM WRIGHT International Herald Tribune


GENEVA, May 5 — A delegation of American officials came before a United Nations panel on torture today to account for the conduct of the United States in the fight against terrorism since Sept. 11, 2001.

...



John B. Bellinger III, the legal adviser to the State Department, who led the delegation, said that criticism of United States policy has become "so hyperbolic as to be absurd." He added: "I would ask you not to believe every allegation that you have heard."

Speaking before the United Nation's Committee Against Torture, he also reiterated the "absolute commitment" of the United States to eradicating torture globally and said the abuses that took place at Abu Ghraib were isolated incidents that have been, or will be, investigated and punished.

But the United Nations legal experts charged with ensuring that nations keep their commitments under the Convention Against Torture appeared skeptical.

Fernando Mariño Menéndez of Spain cited data from human rights groups that of 600 United States personnel alleged to have been involved in the torture or murder of prisoners, only 10 received prison terms of a year or more....

The dogs? Just beloved pets.

Nude pyramids? Cheerleaders for the prison Cricket team.

European getaways!

"So hyperbolic as to be absurd" = Totally and completely true.

and also TRUE

from the four (US) government departments did not include anyone from the Central Intelligence Agency. Mr. Bellinger said he was not authorized to talk about any intelligence activities that the Committee Against Torture inquired about in its report."
- from the NYT article cited above.

So, he'd love to help the UN committee out but...he...just...can't. So sorry.

"So hyperbolic as to be absurd"? I'm sorry, but criticism of the United States' practice of torture in light of the fact that we have always been the "good guy" who takes the high road, is not my idea of absurd.
Ringo

Just some kids having fun. What's all the uproar about? :sarcasm:

"An expert from Senegal, Guibril Camara, said it was the committee's interpretation — not that of the United States — that would set the global definition of torture. "One of the parties is going to have to give way," Mr. Camara said. "And I think it's probably going to have to be you."

Gonzales won't be happy with this, lol.

Bellinger the Turd can say what he wants, but even he knows Rummy PERSONALLY held torture sessions at Abu Ghraib prison! Fuck em all, fascist assholes!

And renditions to third party agencies.

without due process' is? If that ain't torture by its very nature then I don't know what is!