The Conservatives have rejected a call for an inquiry into torture in Afghan prisons. They say that there has been no proof that the detainees were tortured. Of course there is not. It has been stated that the Canadian Forces don't keep tags on their prisoners after they're handed over to the Afghan police. Therefore, it is impossible to know whether they were tortured or not. A full public inquiry would be good for this situation. If we find that that there has been cover-ups, then we oust Stephen Harper. If we find out that there has been torture, then we stop it. It's a win-win case.
NDP Leader Jack Layton said Canada's reputation as a champion of human rights has been hurt by the notion that prisoners handed over to Afghan authorities were tortured and that the government might have tried to cover it up.
"I believe the pressure for a full public inquiry is going to grow.… We have to clear the air here. Get to the bottom of it and find out whether we are dealing with a coverup," he told CBC News.
"We certainly have to take the appropriate actions to deal with Canada's reputation, which right now is taking a tumble."
During his testimony, Colvin said Canada did not monitor detainee conditions; took days, weeks or months to notify the Red Cross; kept poor records; and to prevent scrutiny, the Canadian Forces leadership concealed this behind "walls of secrecy."
http://www.cbc.ca/politics/story/2009/11/19/afghanistan-torture-colvin-inquiry.html
Most governments hat inquiries because the results of the inquiry can not be controlled. Unpredictable findings can embarrass or even lead to the fall of governments. Parties in power always prioritize their own survival over what is fair or just for society in general.
ReplyDeleteStephen Harper is not a leader.
ReplyDeleteHey, What about me. I love microphones. I hate cheese.
ReplyDeleteMissed it by THAT much.
ReplyDeleteWe DON'T play Super Mario in KAOS!
ReplyDelete