Jonathan Turley Explains It All: CIA Tapes, 6 Indictable Offenses Against 12 Individuals + 1 pRes.

[orleans]

from his column dec. 10, 2007; appearing in roll call december 11, 2007

"Bad Is Hardly the Word For Destruction of CIA Tapes: Call It Criminal"

There are at least a dozen individuals who should be retaining private counsel in this matter. However, it is still not clear that either Republicans or Democrats truly want an independent investigation. Notably, Democrats have largely called for investigations by the Justice Department, which guarantees that the investigation would move at a glacial pace and remain under the control of the administration. It is obvious at this point that the Justice Department should not conduct an investigation that could threaten high-ranking officials, including the president himself.

We are now at a crossroad in history. On just the admissions made by Hayden, there appear to be at least six indictable offenses against at least a dozen individuals, including the president. That number of offenses and offenders is likely to increase in the coming week, but clearly include obstruction of justice, obstruction of Congress, false statements to Congress, false statements to federal courts, conspiracy and, of course, torture. The question is not the clarity of the crimes, but the will of Congress to finally act and guarantee an independent investigation.

Despite the embarrassment to some Democrats, there is no way to continue to ignore a pattern of criminality that extends to the highest office in his country. These were crimes committed in our name and it is time for the disclosure of the truth — wherever it may lead.

"Jonathan Turley is a law professor at George Washington University and lead defense counsel in pending terrorism cases."