By Jeff Schogol, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Wednesday, July 12, 2006
ARLINGTON, Va. — The Defense Department has asked commanders to review whether interrogation and detention procedures meet the Geneva Conventions’ standards on humane treatment for detainees, according to a memo from Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England that was released Tuesday.
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Attorney Eugene R. Fidell (president of the National Institute of Military Justice, who practices miliarty law) said he believes the memo has another purpose (other than allowing military commanders to confirm that they are treating detainees humanely): To provide legal cover.
He said the memo sets the basis for a “good faith” defense for DOD employees who face legal proceedings.
“They will be able to say that oh, the department told me it was OK,” Fidell said.
http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=38553