Psychologists face Guantanamo abuse claim

[unhappycamper]

Psychologists face Guantanamo abuse claim
By ANDREW WELSH-HUGGINS
Associated Press Writer
Jul 7, 6:30 PM EDT

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Two Army psychologists helped perpetrate abuse of detainees at Guantanamo Bay including sleep deprivation and sexual humiliation, according to complaints filed Wednesday by human rights groups trying to have the psychologists' state licenses revoked.

The San Francisco-based Center for Justice & Accountability filed a complaint against Dr. John Leso with the New York Office of the Professions, alleging professional misconduct. Leso led a behavioral science consultation team at Guantanamo in 2002 and 2003.

The complaint said Leso developed abusive interrogation techniques based on Army survival methods. Those methods, "Survive Evade Rescue and Escape" or SERE, teach soldiers how to withstand physical and psychological abuse they might face if captured by the enemy, according to the complaint against Leso.

"Evidence shows that Dr. Leso developed, recommended, and implemented psychologically and physically abusive interrogation tactics during his tenure at Guantanamo," the complaint said.

The complaint says an abuse memo Leso wrote in 2002 promoted techniques such as exposing detainees to severe cold, forcing liquids into them intravenously and sleep deprivation.

[choie]

1. As a social work student

I find it particularly heinous that a psychologist would have assisted this government in the planning and implementation of torture. If found guilty, Mr. Leso should be stripped of all credentials -- and imprisoned along with the other thugs in our government.