For Immediate Release: November 14, 2011

Contact: Rev. Richard L. Killmer, (202) 547-1920

Religious Coalition Challenges Republican Candidates on Torture and Waterboarding

Washington, D.C. – During the CBS/National Journal Republican debate on national security this past weekend, several Republican presidential candidates reiterated their support of torture, including waterboarding, as an interrogation technique. Rev. Richard Killmer, Executive Director of the National Religious Campaign Against Torture Action Fund, released this statement today in response to statements made by the candidates:

"The candidates who spoke favorably about the use of torture and waterboarding were either ignorant of U.S. law or deeply misguided. Waterboarding, a technique used to simulate drowning, is torture.  After World War II, the U.S. prosecuted Japanese soldiers as war criminals for waterboarding prisoners.  The ‘enhanced interrogation techniques' also were torture -- including the use of extreme sleep deprivation and stress positions.  Reports reveal that the U.S. even tortured to death some detainees.

Those who strive to be our future leaders and who proudly proclaim their faith should look to their religion for guidance on how to treat prisoners -- fellow human beings.  All faiths respect the basic God-given dignity of all human beings.  Our candidates for president ought to do the same."

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The National Religious Campaign Against Torture Action Fund is a coalition of people of faith who oppose torture. It engages in public policy advocacy and electoral campaign work. It is a partner organization of the National Religious Campaign Against Torture. Its website is www.nrcatactionfund.org.