WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Edward J. Markey (D-MA) responded today to the Department of Defense (DOD)’s new directive on the treatment of detainees. Rep. Markey made the following statement in response to the directive announced today that orders all detainees to be treated humanely.

“While the Pentagon’s decision to issue new guidelines for the interrogation of prisoners is welcome, it does not in any way reduce the need for Congress to move quickly to adopt the McCain amendment to bar the use of cruel, humiliating or degrading treatment of prisoners, or the Markey amendment to bar funding for actions which contravene the Convention Against Torture’s restrictions on extraordinary rendition.  This is the first step to addressing the elimination of torture.”

“That is why I am continuing to ask House Members to sign onto a letter to the Appropriators urging adoption of both amendments, and calling upon them to reject proposals by Vice President Cheney and others in the Administration for a special exemption for the CIA,” said Markey.

More than 60 lawmakers have signed onto a letter to the Appropriators.

Rep. Markey continued, “Our country stands for freedom and liberty, not for torture and other forms of cruel and humiliating treatment of prisoners.  We cannot and must not lower ourselves to the level of the terrorists.  We must stand for the principles embodied in our own Constitution, and in international law, which reject torture without condition.”

Although the directive announced today orders all detainees to be treated humanely, aside from prohibiting the use of dogs in interrogations, it fails to enumerate any specific practices. 

For more information on Rep. Markey’s legislation to prevent torture or to see the text of the letter to appropriators check out:  http://www.house.gov/markey/