Gates blocks release of detainee abuse photos

[unhappycamper]

Gates blocks release of detainee abuse photos
By Stephen Ohlemacher - The Associated Press
Posted : Sunday Nov 15, 2009 12:01:47 EST

WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Robert Gates has blocked the public release of any more pictures of foreign detainees abused by their U.S. captors, saying their release would endanger American soldiers.

The Obama administration filed a brief with the Supreme Court late Friday saying that Gates has invoked new powers blocking the release of the photos.

The American Civil Liberties Union had sued for the release of 21 color photographs showing prisoners in Afghanistan and Iraq being abused by Americans. Federal courts had rejected the government’s arguments to block their release, so Congress gave Gates new powers to keep them private under a law signed by President Barack Obama last month.

Gates’ order specifically cites the 21 pictures sought by the ACLU, plus 23 additional ones cited in a ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit. However, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said the order covers all photographs from investigations related to the treatment of individuals captured or detained in military operations outside the United States between Sept. 11, 2001, and Jan. 22, 2009.

Gates’ new powers were included in a budget bill for the Homeland Security Department.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2009/11/ap_detainee_abuse_photos_111509/



unhappycamper comment: Gates just admitted that the Pentagon tortures. And until that torture is investigated and punished, we can accurately say the Pentagon tortures.