28-03-2024 11:29 AM Jerusalem Timing

EU Parliament Urges Probe into CIA Torture

EU Parliament Urges Probe into CIA Torture

Members of the European Parliament called Wednesday for an investigation into the possible complicity of EU member states with the CIA in using "unacceptable" interrogation methods on suspected terrorists.

European ParliamentMembers of the European Parliament called Wednesday for an investigation into the possible complicity of EU member states with the CIA in using "unacceptable" interrogation methods on suspected terrorists.

In a debate about a U.S. Senate report that revealed torture, members said that trampling fundamental values in the fight against terrorism was unacceptable.

"Torture is illegal, immoral and inacceptable," said Slovenian member Tanja Fajon of the Socialists and Democrats. "Europe's participation in any form in any type of illegal activity by the CIA is shameful, unworthy of democracy, unworthy of the foundations and values on which the EU was built."

EU Home Affairs Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos said the commission believes EU countries should conduct "in-depth, independent investigations" into any involvement they had in the CIA tactics.

The 500-page summary of the U.S. Senate Intelligence committee’s report detailed the CIA's use of water boarding, or simulated drowning, mock executions, sexual threats and other forms of torture on detainees.

"We need to end impunity," said Portuguese Socialist member Ana Gomes. She said the U.S. relied on her own country on at least 100 occasions to transport terror suspects.

Last week, human rights watchdog Amnesty International said several EU member states helped the CIA and other U.S. authorities in a program of rendition, torture and secret detention.

In July, 2014, the European Court of Human Rights ruled that Poland had violated an international treaty to protect human rights by hosting secret CIA prisons on its territory.

An investigation opened in Poland in 2008 is still underway.