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Senate Confirms Gonzales 60 to 36; Large 'No' Vote Shows Need for Commission to Investigate Torture
NEW YORK – Feb. 3 – The Senate’s surprisingly close vote
of 60 to 36 to confirm Alberto Gonzales as Attorney General underscores the fact
that the torture debate is not over, said Human Rights First. It also demands
that the Senate establish an independent, bi-partisan commission to investigate
the prisoner abuse and torture at Abu Ghraib and other U.S. detention facilities.
“Mr. Gonzales’ confirmation should not be interpreted as a confirmation
of the Bush administration’s interrogation policy,” said Michael
Posner, the Executive Director of Human Rights First (formerly the Lawyers Committee
for Human Rights). “In the absence of an independent investigation into
the torture scandal, the Gonzales hearings became a venue for Senators to express
their deep concerns about interrogation and detention. These concerns are growing.
We urge all Senators now to come together to establish an independent commission
to examine U.S. policy on interrogation and detention and recommend corrective
actions. In addition, as an immediate step, the Administration should stop the
practice of holding ‘ghost detainees’ and allow International Red
Cross monitors immediate access to all U.S.-held prisoners.”
For more information on Alberto Gonzales’ nomination to be Attorney
General:
* Human Rights First’s Statement Opposing Gonzales’ Confirmation
as Attorney General:
http://www.humanrightsfirst.org/us_law/etn/gonzales/
statements/hrf_opp_gonz_012405.asp
* HRF Analysis of Gonzales' Senate Testimony and
Written Follow-up Answers: http://www.humanrightsfirst.org/us_law/etn/gonzales/statements/
hrf_opp_gonz_full_012405.asp
* Letter from Retired Military Leaders to Senate
Judiciary Urging Close Scrutiny of Gonzales' Record: http://www.humanrightsfirst.org/us_law/etn/gonzales/statements/
gonz_military_010405.pdf
* HRF Report on Gonzales' Rights Record: http://www.humanrightsfirst.org/us_law/etn/gonzales/briefs/
brief_20041220_Gonz_all.pdf
* Flow Chart Showing Gonzales Role in Setting Torture Policy: http://www.humanrightsfirst.org/us_law/etn/gonzales/
charts/gonz_torture_chart.pdf
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