Judge OKs Army Vet's Suit Against Rumsfeld Over Torture Allegations
A federal judge this week allowed the case of an Army veteran who claims he was imprisoned and tortured by U.S. military in Iraq to move forward against former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld.
The vet, who isn’t identified in court documents, was working as a contractor for an American company as a translator in Anbar province when he claims he was inexplicably detained for nine months at Camp Cropper near Baghdad, the Associated Press reports.
The government reportedly suspected the man of helping pass classified information to the enemy. But he was never charged and released as suddenly as he was detained.
Citing court filings, the AP reports that the man’s federal suit alleges Rumsfeld personally approved torturous interrogation techniques on a case-by-case basis and violated his rights by not allowing him access to courts.
In his opinion (PDF), U.S. District Judge James Gwin of the District of Columbia, held that Americans have continuing rights to constitutional protections at home or abroad.
