Jason Leopold on ACLU's Indictment of Obama Over Lack of Torture Accountability

Jason Leopold has a fantastic, comprehensive article up at Truthout on the ACLU's reaction to the Obama Nobel Prize speech, in the context of the congealing policies of the Obama administration in opposition to demands for accountability for torture. The article also updates the current situation regarding any possible investigations or hearings on U.S. torture. (Hint: don't hold your breath, but don't give up all hope, either.)

Blistering Indictment Leveled Against Obama Over His Handling of Bush-Era War Crimes:

To many human rights advocates, however, Obama’s high-minded declaration rang hollow in light of fresh reports that his administration continues to operate secret prisons in Afghanistan where detainees have allegedly been tortured and where the International Committee for the Red Cross has been denied access to the prisoners.

Obama has substituted words for action on issues surrounding torture since his first days in office nearly one year ago. Last June, on the 25th anniversary of the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, Obama said the US government "must stand against torture wherever it takes place" and that his administration "is committed to taking concrete actions against torture and to address the needs of its victims."

But it’s clear that his pledge does not apply to torture committed by Bush administration officials....

"We're increasingly disappointed and alarmed by the current administration's stance on accountability for torture," said Jameel Jaffer, director of the ACLU’s National Security Project, during a conference call with reporters. "On every front, the [Obama] administration is actively obstructing accountability. This administration is shielding Bush administration officials from civil liability, criminal investigation and even public scrutiny for their role in authorizing torture."

Read the whole article.