Detainee Deaths in U.S. Custody

Human Rights First published a detailed report on detainee deaths in U.S. custody February 22. It was the subject of an extended feature on BBC's NewsNight on February 21 (summarized here).

The report looks at 98 deaths in all, and finds nearly half to be homicides -- including nearly a dozen victims tortured to death -- and another 48 from causes still officially undetermined or undisclosed. As disturbing, the report examines what happened in these cases after the deaths, and finds gross flaws in follow-on investigations, a lack of accountability generally, and an almost complete lack of responsibility by command.

The report may be viewed in its entirety here.

TM