Over at RawStory,
51 House members call on Gonzales to appoint special counsel on alleged U.S. 'war crimes' :
May 12, 2005
The Honorable Alberto R. Gonzales
Dear Mr. Attorney General:
We are writing to request that you appoint a special counsel to investigate whether high-ranking officials within the Bush Administration violated the War Crimes Act, 18 U.S.C. 2441, or the Anti-Torture Act, 18 U.S.C. 2340 by allowing the use of torture techniques banned by domestic and international law at recognized and secret detention sites in Iraq, Afghanistan Guantanamo Bay and elsewhere.
One year and 10 investigations after we first learned about the atrocities committed at Abu Ghraib, there has yet to be a comprehensive, neutral and objective investigation with prosecutorial authority of who is ultimately responsible for the abuses there and elsewhere. While more than 130 low-ranking officers and enlisted soldiers have been disciplined or face courts-martial for the abuses that occurred, there have been no criminal charges against high-ranking officials.
Under Department of Justice regulations, the Attorney General must appoint a special counsel when
(1) a "criminal investigation of a person or matter is warranted,"
(2) the investigation "by a United States Attorney Office or litigating Division of the Department of Justice would present a conflict of interest for the Department," and
(3) "it would be in the public interest to appoint an outside Special Counsel to assume responsibility for the matter."1 In the present case, all three requirements have been met.
Sorry I don't have time to at insightful analysis. If someone posts a diary with such, I will be more than happy to delete this one.
I will add though that once again, Rep. Conyers shows he is mad about how this Admin has and continues to act. May he continue. Also glad to see my rep, Van Hollen, once again signing one of Rep. Conyers' letter.
I am not holding my breath waiting for Mr Gonzales to appoint such a special council. But I guess it is important to have a paper trial of ignored letters and requests.
