Federal officials have repeatedly denied torturing Padilla but have not refuted specific claims

http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/261576,padilla021707.article

Judge orders Padilla brig officials to testify about competency

February 17, 2007
BY CURT ANDERSON Associated Press

MIAMI---- Officials of a Navy brig where suspected al-Qaida operative Jose Padilla was held have been ordered to testify at a hearing next week to determine whether his treatment there has left him unfit to stand trial.

It will be the first time Defense Department officials with direct knowledge will speak publicly about Padilla's 31/2 years of confinement -- which defense experts say has caused him irreparable mental harm and made it impossible for his lawyers to adequately prepare for trial.

Federal prosecutors fought to keep the officials out of Thursday's competency hearing, arguing that the sole issue to be decided is Padilla's mental state now. snip

Prosecutors fear that defense lawyers will use the officials' testimony as an excuse to pursue their claims that Padilla, a 36-year-old U.S. citizen and former Chicago gang member who was originally arrested at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport in May 2002, was tortured during interrogation at the brig.

Federal officials have repeatedly denied torturing Padilla but have not refuted specific claims made by Padilla about what was done to him, such as that he was forced to stand in painful stress positions, given LSD or some other drug as a ''truth serum,'' subjected to loud noises and noxious odors and forced to endure sleep deprivation, extreme heat and cold, and harsh lights.

Or Alberto Gonzales. I forget which.