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June 22, 2017

Videos Show Psychologists Defending CIA Torture Program
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In newly released video, two military psychologists who helped devise
the Bush administration's interrogation program defend their roles in
helping the CIA torture detainees in U.S. custody. On Wednesday, The New
York Times published video depositions of James Mitchell and Bruce
Jessen, who were questioned over torture as part of a lawsuit brought by
the ACLU on behalf of several former prisoners. This is James Mitchell
being asked about his support for the simulated drowning technique known
as waterboarding.

Attorney: "I mean, you thought waterboarding was a bad thing-was a
painful thing, right?"

James Mitchell: "No, I thought it-I thought it could be done safely. I
thought he would be uncomfortable. It sucks, you know. It's-I don't know
that it's painful."

Attorney: "Well, I saw an interview"-

James Mitchell: "But it's distressing."

Attorney: "I saw an interview with you where you said if it was between
somebody breaking their leg and somebody being waterboarded, most people
would choose to have their leg broken. Do you remember saying that in an
interview?"

James Mitchell: "No."



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