Ensuring Lawful Interrogations

2009-01-27Executive Order 13491
Signed by: Barack Obama
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Headline: Restricts Interrogation Techniques and Orders Closure of Central Intelligence Agency Detention Facilities

What it does: Agencies must treat detainees humanely, use only interrogation techniques in the Army Field Manual, close any Central Intelligence Agency detention facilities, and allow Red Cross access.

Real World Impact:
  • Bans interrogation techniques not listed in the Army Field Manual.
  • Requires Central Intelligence Agency to close and not operate detention facilities.
  • Gives Red Cross timely notice and access to detained individuals.
Topics: detainee treatment, interrogation policy, intelligence operations, human rights

Summary

This order requires that people held by the United States in armed conflicts be treated humanely and bans interrogation methods not authorized in the Army Field Manual.

It revokes prior guidance and forbids relying on Justice Department memoranda issued between September 11, 2001 and January 20, 2009.

The order requires the Central Intelligence Agency to close any detention facilities, gives the Red Cross access to detainees, and creates a task force to review practices and report within 180 days.

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