U.N. torture investigator denied access to Bradley Manning
Juan Mendez, a U.N. representative on torture, says the U.S. government "has not been receptive to a confidential [unsupervised[ meeting" with Pfc. Bradley Manning.
Mendez, who has been investigating complaints about his treatment since before Christmas, said the US department of defence would not allow him to make an "official" visit, only a "private" one. An "official" visit would mean he meets Manning without a guard present. A "private" visit means with a guard and anything the prisoner says could be used in the planned court-martial.
Mendez pointed out that his mandate was to conduct unmonitored visits, and that had been the practice in at least 18 countries over the last six years.
The U.N. torture expert said he complained to “high-ranking officials” at the departments of State and Defense.
“I am deeply disappointed and frustrated by the prevarication of the US Government with regard to my attempts to visit Mr. Manning,” Mr. Mendez said. “The United States of America has a key role in setting examples on issues concerning my mandate as Special Rapporteur on torture, which makes it a vital partner for engagement.”
The role is supposed to give Mr. Mendez “unimpeded access” to detention facilities around the world to insure countries aren’t torturing the prisoners they hold. He is typically allowed private interviews to insure the prisoner’s candor.