Justice Department Opens Criminal Probe Into CIA Tapes

This just in, from the AP:

The Justice Department opened a criminal investigation into the destruction of CIA interrogation videotapes and Attorney General Michael B. Mukasey appointed an outside prosecutor to oversee the case.

The CIA acknowledged last month that it destroyed videos of officers using tough interrogation methods while questioning two al-Qaida suspects. The acknowledgment sparked a congressional inquiry and a preliminary investigation by Justice.

UPDATE: More, from Rep. Conyers:

While I certainly agree that these matters warrant an immediate criminal investigation, it is disappointing that the Attorney General has stepped outside the Justice Department’s own regulations and declined to appoint a more independent special counsel in this matter. Because of this action, the Congress and the American people will be denied – as they were in the Valerie Plame matter – any final report on the investigation.

Equally disappointing is the limited scope of this investigation, which appears limited to the destruction of two tapes. The government needs to scrutinize what other evidence may have been destroyed beyond the two tapes, as well as the underlying allegations of misconduct associated with the interrogations.

Comments (5) «

Will the President answer questions with Cheney holding his hand...neither of them under oath...again?

1

SandyH on January 2, 2008 at 04:36 PM

Still not too late to impeach Chimpy and Shotgun Dick!

2

rjsnj on January 2, 2008 at 05:39 PM

Screw the Justice Department and their attempt at a cover up by biased counsel!
GET THAT BILL OF IMIPEACHMENT OUT OF COMMITTEE, AND IMPEACH BUSH/CHENEY NOW!
THE TRAIL WILL LEAD FROM CHENEY TO BUSH, AND THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT, THE PENTAGON, AND TO CONGERESS!
WE NEED TO ELIMINATE THE CRIMINALS ASAP!

3

Butte on January 2, 2008 at 11:41 PM

Butte,

I couldn't put it better myself. We need to not only impeach Bush and Cheney, but also have them stand trial in front of the World Court for their war crimes and crimes against humanity in their Iraq war. But I have an feeling that it probably won't get anywhere during this year. Maybe when a new Democratic President and Congress are sworn in. Then we'll see some action.

4

Darien on January 3, 2008 at 01:07 PM

Still time to impeach Chimpy and Shooter.

5

rjsnj on January 3, 2008 at 06:29 PM

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