Italy convicts CIA agents in absentia

November 4th, 2009, 5:13 pm · Post a Comment · posted by by Alan Bock, Register editorial writer

A judge in Italy has convicted 23 Americans, mostly CIA employees, in absentia for whisking a suspected jihadist leader, one Hassan Mustafa Osama Nasr, off the streets of Milan in 2003 and sending him to Egypt for questioning, where he claims he was tortured repeatedly. It may be that Italy was teed off because they had the guy under surveillance at the time, but the verdict is also a symbolic protest against the practice of “extraordinary rendition,” whereby various suspects have been taken to countries where there isn’t the slightest ambivalence about using torture and you know the CIA had to know that.

I’m not upset about this. Extraordinary rendition, like the use of torture, is unworthy of the America I know and love. Even if it’s the Italians doing this, the U.S. govt. deserves to have its nose rubbed in it.

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About this blog

Orange Punch bloggers write from a particular libertarian point of view. We’re dedicated to advancing human freedom and believe that the primary role of government is to defend Americans’ liberties. We seek a smaller, more limited government, expanded and freer trade at home and abroad, open markets and secure property rights. We believe in the power and goodwill of the individual; that he or she will aspire to a better tomorrow for themselves, for their family and for the community. We would hope for people to exercise integrity and self-responsibility along the way. The bloggers are Alan Bock, Brian Calle and Mark Landsbaum. The genesis of this particular brand of libertarianism is R.C. Hoiles, founder, Freedom Communications, Inc., parent company of the Orange County Register.

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