ACLU Comment on Haspel Confirmation to Lead CIA

WASHINGTON — The Senate voted today to confirm Gina Haspel to lead the CIA.

Christopher Anders, deputy director of the American Civil Liberties Union’s Washington Legislative Office, said:

“For the first time in the history of the United States, the CIA will be led by someone with a past role in the use of torture. From beginning to end, the process was a cover-up to suppress information on the CIA’s torture program. It’s a complete disgrace to our democracy that Senators refused to do their jobs to uphold transparency and accountability. Gina Haspel’s confirmation is a black mark in our history, one we will regret.

“The ACLU will carry on the fight for transparency and for Haspel to be held accountable. At home, we will urge voters to question senators who refused to stand against torture, and use Congress and the courts to force openness. Overseas, we expect Haspel’s torture record will raise demands for accountability worldwide. We will work with human rights groups abroad to hold her and the CIA accountable.”