10 Years After "Torture Memos" Rep. Keith Ellison Calls For Continued Vigilance On Human Rights

Statement

On the 10th anniversary of the Bush Administration's "torture memos," which authorized the use of "enhanced" interrogation techniques, Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) reaffirmed that U.S. law should uphold human rights and never allow torture.

"Torture is always wrong," he said. "We are a nation of laws, and those who break them should be held accountable. I am grateful that President Obama outlawed U.S.-sanctioned torture so soon after his inauguration, finally ending a dark chapter in American history."

Reports of cruel and inhumane detainee treatment at Guantanamo Bay and Abu Ghraib prison rattled the nation after Bush Administration officials authorized interrogation techniques widely regarded as torture on August 1, 2002. Despite legislative efforts to end the practice, detainees such as Maher Arar were still tortured through U.S. extraordinary rendition.

"At a time when the world is focused on human rights violations in countries such as Syria and North Korea, it is crucial for the United States to lead by example and uphold the dignity of all people," Ellison said. "As Americans and responsible world citizens, we should acknowledge the legacy of the torture memos so we may set high standards. We should recommit ourselves to making sure these violations never happen again."

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