The CIA tortured Al-Qaeda suspects "to the point of death" by drowning them in water-filled baths, Britain's Daily Telegraph reported on Monday, ahead of the publication of a US Senate report on interrogation techniques.
The paper quoted one security source as saying the torture of at least two suspects, including the alleged mastermind of the September 11 attacks Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, went far beyond the waterboarding admitted by the Central Intelligence Agency.
"They weren't just pouring water over their heads or over a cloth," the paper quoted the source as saying, adding: "They were holding them under water until the point of death, with a doctor present to make sure they did not go too far."
A second source cited by the paper also spoke of the treatment meted out to Mohammed, who is in US military custody in Guantanamo Bay, as well as alleged USS Cole bomber Abd al Rahim al-Nashiri, who is also being held at the detention camp on Cuba.
"They got medieval on his ass, and far more so than people realise," the source, said to be familiar with the still-classified accounts of the torture, was quoted as saying.
An upcoming report by the US Senate based on a review of classified CIA documents would "deeply shock" the public because of its graphic portrayal of the extreme interrogation techniques used by the CIA, a third source said.
Monday, September 08, 2014
Completion of Project Elevate Gives Hope to Uptown’s Disabled Community
Uptown Baptist Church (UBC) hosted the grand opening of a new elevator on Sunday, September 7, 2014, at 10 a.m. For the very first time in a 35-year history, the historic church building will become accessible for the more than 3500 people with physical disabilities who live within rolling distance to its front door.
“UBC is dedicated to provide programs and services that meet the special needs of Uptown residents, including persons with disabilities,” said Rev. Michael N. Allen, UBC’s senior pastor. The grand opening event for Project Elevate is an extension of UBC’s ongoing ministry to meet the many challenges in Uptown. For over 30 years UBC members have fed the hungry, provided shelter to homeless women, and provided various immigrant groups with space to worship in their own language. More recently, the church has cooperated in “Gun Turn In” programs organized by the Mayor’s Office.
The unveiling of a new elevator at Uptown will highlight the church’s current initiative to more effectively serve those with physical disabilities. “Within walking distance of our church are over 3500 persons with disabilities, and they all have an individual story,” said Allen. “Just think about what an elevator could mean to seniors who are plagued by painful arthritis and others on the street who struggle to get up our stairs.”
On hand to help dedicate the new elevator will be David Ring, an internationally-known speaker born with cerebral palsy. After being orphaned at an early age, Ring was cast about from “pillar to post.” Life seemed worse than hopeless to Ring until his relationship began with Jesus Christ, who taught him self-respect and an acceptance of his physical challenges. Now Ring shares his story with over 100,000 people each year at churches, conventions, schools, and corporate events.
“UBC is dedicated to provide programs and services that meet the special needs of Uptown residents, including persons with disabilities,” said Rev. Michael N. Allen, UBC’s senior pastor. The grand opening event for Project Elevate is an extension of UBC’s ongoing ministry to meet the many challenges in Uptown. For over 30 years UBC members have fed the hungry, provided shelter to homeless women, and provided various immigrant groups with space to worship in their own language. More recently, the church has cooperated in “Gun Turn In” programs organized by the Mayor’s Office.
The unveiling of a new elevator at Uptown will highlight the church’s current initiative to more effectively serve those with physical disabilities. “Within walking distance of our church are over 3500 persons with disabilities, and they all have an individual story,” said Allen. “Just think about what an elevator could mean to seniors who are plagued by painful arthritis and others on the street who struggle to get up our stairs.”
On hand to help dedicate the new elevator will be David Ring, an internationally-known speaker born with cerebral palsy. After being orphaned at an early age, Ring was cast about from “pillar to post.” Life seemed worse than hopeless to Ring until his relationship began with Jesus Christ, who taught him self-respect and an acceptance of his physical challenges. Now Ring shares his story with over 100,000 people each year at churches, conventions, schools, and corporate events.
Sunday, September 07, 2014
DEA Museum, @DEAEdFoundation, Fall 2014 Lecture Series Commemorates 100 Years of Drug Law Enforcement
2014 marks the 100th anniversary of the passage of the Harrison Narcotics Act and the start of federal drug law enforcement in America! In honor of this important milestone, the DEA Museum will be hosting a series of public Museum Lectures this coming fall themed around the 100thanniversary. This series includes the DEA Museum’s first-ever off-site lecture program that will take place live at the AFFNA (Association of Former Federal Narcotics Agents) Conference in Naples, Florida on Friday, September 19th and be webcast live to the world via www.deamuseum.org
Mark your calendars for these three 100th Anniversary lectures that will help shed light on the important work of federal drug law enforcement agents in the days before DEA:
September 19, 2014, 11:00 AM Eastern – The Early Years: A Panel Discussion on the Era of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics
October 15, 2014, 2:00 PM Eastern – Standing in the Shadows: The Legacy of Harry J. Anslinger
November 6, 2014, 11:00 AM Eastern – Targeting the Mafia: FBN, Organized Crime, and Drugs
Thursday, September 04, 2014
Julio Estiven Gracia Ramirez Pleads Guilty to Kidnapping and Murder of DEA Agent Terry Watson
A Colombian man extradited to the Eastern District of Virginia pleaded guilty for his involvement in the kidnapping and murder of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent James Terry Watson in Bogotá, Colombia, on June 20, 2013.
“Today’s guilty plea is an important step forward in holding those responsible for the murder of DEA Special Agent Terry Watson accountable for their heinous crime,” said DEA Administrator Michele M. Leonhart. “DEA will not rest until all of those responsible for this tragedy face justice. Our thoughts and prayers continue for the Watson family, and DEA remains grateful for the dedicated U.S. and Colombian team of investigators and prosecutors.”
“Special Agent Watson gave his life in the service of his country, and we will do everything in our power to honor his sacrifice,” said Attorney General Eric Holder. “This conviction is a critical step forward. But while this action represents the first measure of justice for his kidnapping and murder, it will not be the last. The Department of Justice will not rest until all those involved in this senseless act of violence have been held to account for their crimes. Our nation will never yield in the protection and defense of its citizens. And we will continue to demonstrate that anyone who seeks to harm an American will be found, will be prosecuted, and will be brought to justice.”
Julio Estiven Gracia Ramirez, 31, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Gerald Bruce Lee of the Eastern District of Virginia to aiding and abetting the murder of an internationally protected person and conspiracy to kidnap an internationally protected person. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 5, 2014.
In a statement of facts filed with the plea agreement, Gracia Ramirez admitted that he and his conspirators agreed to conduct a “paseo milionario” or “millionaire’s ride” in which victims who were perceived as wealthy were lured into taxi cabs, kidnapped and then robbed. Gracia Ramirez admitted that he targeted Special Agent Watson and picked him up outside a Bogotá restaurant in his taxi. Soon after, two conspirators entered Gracia Ramirez’s taxi, and one used a stun gun to shock Special Agent Watson and the other stabbed him. Special Agent Watson was able to escape from the taxi, but he later collapsed and died from his injuries.
“Today’s guilty plea is an important step forward in holding those responsible for the murder of DEA Special Agent Terry Watson accountable for their heinous crime,” said DEA Administrator Michele M. Leonhart. “DEA will not rest until all of those responsible for this tragedy face justice. Our thoughts and prayers continue for the Watson family, and DEA remains grateful for the dedicated U.S. and Colombian team of investigators and prosecutors.”
“Special Agent Watson gave his life in the service of his country, and we will do everything in our power to honor his sacrifice,” said Attorney General Eric Holder. “This conviction is a critical step forward. But while this action represents the first measure of justice for his kidnapping and murder, it will not be the last. The Department of Justice will not rest until all those involved in this senseless act of violence have been held to account for their crimes. Our nation will never yield in the protection and defense of its citizens. And we will continue to demonstrate that anyone who seeks to harm an American will be found, will be prosecuted, and will be brought to justice.”
Julio Estiven Gracia Ramirez, 31, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Gerald Bruce Lee of the Eastern District of Virginia to aiding and abetting the murder of an internationally protected person and conspiracy to kidnap an internationally protected person. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 5, 2014.
In a statement of facts filed with the plea agreement, Gracia Ramirez admitted that he and his conspirators agreed to conduct a “paseo milionario” or “millionaire’s ride” in which victims who were perceived as wealthy were lured into taxi cabs, kidnapped and then robbed. Gracia Ramirez admitted that he targeted Special Agent Watson and picked him up outside a Bogotá restaurant in his taxi. Soon after, two conspirators entered Gracia Ramirez’s taxi, and one used a stun gun to shock Special Agent Watson and the other stabbed him. Special Agent Watson was able to escape from the taxi, but he later collapsed and died from his injuries.
Authors of "Blood Sport: Alex Rodriguez, Biogenesis, and the Quest to End Baseball's Steroid Era" Appear on Crime Beat Radio Tonight
Tim Elfrink and Gus Garcia Robert
, authors of "Blood Sport: Alex Rodriguez, Biogenesis, and the Quest to End Baseball's Steroid Era" appear tonight on Crime Beat Radio.
Crime Beat is a weekly hour-long radio program that airs every Thursday at 8 p.m. EST. Crime Beat presents fascinating topics that bring listeners closer to the dynamic underbelly of the world of crime. Guests have included ex-mobsters, undercover law enforcement agents, sports officials, informants, prisoners, drug dealers and investigative journalists, who have provided insights and fresh information about the world’s most fascinating subject: crime.
, authors of "Blood Sport: Alex Rodriguez, Biogenesis, and the Quest to End Baseball's Steroid Era" appear tonight on Crime Beat Radio.Crime Beat is a weekly hour-long radio program that airs every Thursday at 8 p.m. EST. Crime Beat presents fascinating topics that bring listeners closer to the dynamic underbelly of the world of crime. Guests have included ex-mobsters, undercover law enforcement agents, sports officials, informants, prisoners, drug dealers and investigative journalists, who have provided insights and fresh information about the world’s most fascinating subject: crime.
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