CIA torture report summary finally released

Freedom from Torture welcomes today's release of the long-awaited Senate Select Committee on Intelligence's report into the use of torture by the CIA in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks.

Susan Munroe, Freedom from Torture's Chief Executive said:

"Today represents an important milestone on the U.S's road to transparency and accountability on its use of torture to fight the war on terror. Freedom from Torture welcomes the recognition by members of Congress that the world has the right to know what was done by the CIA in the name of 'national security'.

However this report is incomplete and badly overdue. For too long the US has occupied an untenable position as a leading proponent of human rights and democracy whilst refusing to reveal the truth about its use of torture.

For justice to be done the US government must now definitively demonstrate that members of its intelligence services are not above the law and investigate and launch prosecutions against those responsible for torture.

The publication of this report should also remind the UK government that continued impunity for such abuses is unacceptable. Allegations of complicity in the torture of detainees in overseas counter-terrorism operations will continue to haunt the UK until the facts are laid bare.

The Prime Minister must deliver the fully independent judge-led inquiry he promised or risk losing the moral high ground he sought to assert when he first announced his intention to draw a line under this appalling episode."