Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) welcomed news reports that Attorney General Eric Holder is leaning toward a decision to appoint a special counsel to investigate, and potentially prosecute, torture against detainees committed under the Bush administration. This move would follow many months of pushing by Nadler and other civil liberties advocates to do precisely that. Nadler has formally made this request of Attorneys General Gonzalez, Mukasey and Holder, arguing each time that international treaties and American law obligate the Department of Justice to appoint a special counsel in this case.


“I am very pleased to hear media reports indicating that Attorney General Holder is strongly considering appointing a special counsel on torture,” said Nadler. “This matter is of the utmost importance to our nation. I have written to Holder – and his predecessors – and met with him personally, articulating very clearly that the U.S. has no choice but to appoint a special counsel to investigate, and where warranted, prosecute torture. Our national law and international treaties demand that we do so. Our standing as a nation of laws and our reputation as a moral leader in the world require it. I am encouraged that this crucial policy decision is in the hands of our Attorney General Holder and I am hopeful that he will now do the right thing.”