http://www.spiegel.de Daily news, analysis and opinion from Europe's leading newsmagazine and Germany's top news Web site. en Thu, 23 May 2013 08:36:50 +0200 Thu, 23 May 2013 08:36:50 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de http://www.spiegel.de/static/sys/logo_120x61.gif http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/german-prosecutor-recalls-failure-to-probe-cia-rendition-of-abu-omar-a-884066.html#ref=rss A German prosecutor who investigated the CIA's kidnapping of Egyptian cleric Abu Omar in 2003 under the infamous rendition program tells SPIEGEL how he had to close the case due to a lack of information from US organizations. He says the kidnapping was a "disgrace" and that he would have filed indictments, if he had been able to. Mon, 18 Feb 2013 14:20:28 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/german-prosecutor-recalls-failure-to-probe-cia-rendition-of-abu-omar-a-884066.html A German prosecutor who investigated the CIA's kidnapping of Egyptian cleric Abu Omar in 2003 under the infamous rendition program tells SPIEGEL how he had to close the case due to a lack of information from US organizations. He says the kidnapping was a "disgrace" and that he would have filed indictments, if he had been able to. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/european-court-of-human-rights-finds-in-favor-of-renditions-victim-a-872778.html#ref=rss In 2003, Khaled El-Masri was abducted by the CIA, flown to Afghanistan and tortured as part of the US special renditions program. On Thursday, after years of fighting for justice, the European Court of Human Rights finally awarded El-Masri compensation for his suffering. Thu, 13 Dec 2012 16:12:39 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/european-court-of-human-rights-finds-in-favor-of-renditions-victim-a-872778.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/applying-the-law-in-guantanamo-the-government-s-narrative-was-a-lie-a-760142.html#ref=rss When he arrived at Guantanamo in 2005 as chief prosecutor, <i>Colonel Morris Davis</i> thought that he would be dealing exclusively with fanatical terrorists. But he soon realized that many prisoners shouldn't have been imprisoned at all. In a contribution for SPIEGEL, he describes his path from idealism to disillusionment. Mon, 02 May 2011 17:02:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/applying-the-law-in-guantanamo-the-government-s-narrative-was-a-lie-a-760142.html When he arrived at Guantanamo in 2005 as chief prosecutor, Colonel Morris Davis thought that he would be dealing exclusively with fanatical terrorists. But he soon realized that many prisoners shouldn't have been imprisoned at all. In a contribution for SPIEGEL, he describes his path from idealism to disillusionment.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/kafkaesque-machinery-of-suspicion-a-casual-relationship-with-the-truth-at-guantanamo-a-760127.html#ref=rss The US prison at Guantanamo houses the worst of the worst of international jihad. But as the detainee assessments recently made public by WikiLeaks show, it is a description that can be applied to US evidence gathering as well. Mon, 02 May 2011 17:01:12 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/kafkaesque-machinery-of-suspicion-a-casual-relationship-with-the-truth-at-guantanamo-a-760127.html The US prison at Guantanamo houses the worst of the worst of international jihad. But as the detainee assessments recently made public by WikiLeaks show, it is a description that can be applied to US evidence gathering as well.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/cia-rendition-case-us-pressured-italy-to-influence-judiciary-a-735268.html#ref=rss The CIA rendition of cleric Abu Omar in 2003 turned into a headache for Washington when a Milan court indicted the agents involved. Secret dispatches now show how the US threatened the Italian government in an attempt to influence the case. Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi was apparently happy to help. Fri, 17 Dec 2010 13:46:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/cia-rendition-case-us-pressured-italy-to-influence-judiciary-a-735268.html The CIA rendition of cleric Abu Omar in 2003 turned into a headache for Washington when a Milan court indicted the agents involved. Secret dispatches now show how the US threatened the Italian government in an attempt to influence the case. Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi was apparently happy to help.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/the-cia-s-el-masri-abduction-cables-show-germany-caved-to-pressure-from-washington-a-733860.html#ref=rss The American diplomatic cables provide new details about the case of Khaled el-Masri, a German citizen abducted by the CIA in 2003. The reports confirm just how much pressure the US put on Germany to not pursue 13 agents believed to have been involved. But they also reveal how cooperative and responsive German officials were in light of American worries. Thu, 09 Dec 2010 19:49:09 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/the-cia-s-el-masri-abduction-cables-show-germany-caved-to-pressure-from-washington-a-733860.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/abu-omar-case-italian-court-delivers-damning-verdict-on-cia-renditions-a-659418.html#ref=rss A court in Milan has delivered its verdict in the spectacular trial of several CIA agents involved in the 2003 kidnapping of the Islamist Abu Omar. Some 23 American agents received prison terms after being found guilty in absentia. The court's decision is a condemnation of the anti-terror policies of George W. Bush. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:18:32 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/abu-omar-case-italian-court-delivers-damning-verdict-on-cia-renditions-a-659418.html A court in Milan has delivered its verdict in the spectacular trial of several CIA agents involved in the 2003 kidnapping of the Islamist Abu Omar. Some 23 American agents received prison terms after being found guilty in absentia. The court's decision is a condemnation of the anti-terror policies of George W. Bush.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/renditions-case-milan-trial-could-expose-italian-role-in-cia-kidnapping-a-657431.html#ref=rss A public prosecutor in Milan has completed a five-year investigation into the CIA and their Italian counterparts. The case of the extraordinary renditions kidnapping of Egyptian suspected terrorist Abu Omar is also a test of judicial independence in Italy. Twenty-six Americans are being tried in absentia in the case. Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:48:29 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/renditions-case-milan-trial-could-expose-italian-role-in-cia-kidnapping-a-657431.html A public prosecutor in Milan has completed a five-year investigation into the CIA and their Italian counterparts. The case of the extraordinary renditions kidnapping of Egyptian suspected terrorist Abu Omar is also a test of judicial independence in Italy. Twenty-six Americans are being tried in absentia in the case.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/black-site-in-lithuania-cia-accused-of-third-torture-prison-in-europe-a-644183.html#ref=rss As Americans continue to debate the torture era of the Bush administration, a new report has emerged about the alleged existence of a third secret prison used by the CIA in Europe. According to ABC News, the CIA operated a "black site" prison in Lithuania until the end of 2005. Fri, 21 Aug 2009 11:23:17 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/black-site-in-lithuania-cia-accused-of-third-torture-prison-in-europe-a-644183.html As Americans continue to debate the torture era of the Bush administration, a new report has emerged about the alleged existence of a third secret prison used by the CIA in Europe. According to ABC News, the CIA operated a "black site" prison in Lithuania until the end of 2005.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-rendition-of-khaled-el-masri-judgment-day-may-be-approaching-for-cia-agents-a-622757.html#ref=rss The cases of Khaled el-Masri and other victims of the Bush administration's practice of "extraordinary renditions" have been winding their way through the courts for years. A recent court ruling may spell legal trouble for 13 CIA agents involved in the abductions. Mon, 04 May 2009 18:05:27 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-rendition-of-khaled-el-masri-judgment-day-may-be-approaching-for-cia-agents-a-622757.html The cases of Khaled el-Masri and other victims of the Bush administration's practice of "extraordinary renditions" have been winding their way through the courts for years. A recent court ruling may spell legal trouble for 13 CIA agents involved in the abductions.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/europe-s-special-interrogations-new-evidence-of-torture-prison-in-poland-a-621450.html#ref=rss The current debate in the US on the "special interrogation methods" sanctioned by the Bush administration could soon reach Europe. It has long been clear that the CIA used the Szymany military airbase in Poland for extraordinary renditions. Now there is evidence of a secret prison nearby. Mon, 27 Apr 2009 18:09:47 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/europe-s-special-interrogations-new-evidence-of-torture-prison-in-poland-a-621450.html The current debate in the US on the "special interrogation methods" sanctioned by the Bush administration could soon reach Europe. It has long been clear that the CIA used the Szymany military airbase in Poland for extraordinary renditions. Now there is evidence of a secret prison nearby.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/uk-lawyer-on-renditions-victim-the-british-government-is-hiding-things-a-608480.html#ref=rss Binyam Mohamed is one of two British residents still held at Guantanamo. All charges against him have been dropped and he is expected to return home to London within days. His case, however, could spark a major investigation into the alleged complicity of the British government in renditions and torture. Wed, 18 Feb 2009 18:19:02 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/uk-lawyer-on-renditions-victim-the-british-government-is-hiding-things-a-608480.html Binyam Mohamed is one of two British residents still held at Guantanamo. All charges against him have been dropped and he is expected to return home to London within days. His case, however, could spark a major investigation into the alleged complicity of the British government in renditions and torture.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/cia-scandal-renditions-victim-to-sue-german-government-a-558496.html#ref=rss A German-Lebanese victim of the CIA's extraordinary renditions program plans to sue the government in Berlin to force it to issue extradition orders against 13 American intelligence agents involved in his alleged kidnapping. Mon, 09 Jun 2008 10:51:11 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/cia-scandal-renditions-victim-to-sue-german-government-a-558496.html A German-Lebanese victim of the CIA's extraordinary renditions program plans to sue the government in Berlin to force it to issue extradition orders against 13 American intelligence agents involved in his alleged kidnapping. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/security-trumps-liberty-us-supreme-court-rejects-el-masri-case-a-510523.html#ref=rss The US Supreme Court has dimissed Khaled el-Masri's case, despite his claims that he was tortured after being abducted by the CIA. The decision highlights the differences that persist between the US and Europe in the "war on terror." Wed, 10 Oct 2007 18:27:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/security-trumps-liberty-us-supreme-court-rejects-el-masri-case-a-510523.html The US Supreme Court has dimissed Khaled el-Masri's case, despite his claims that he was tortured after being abducted by the CIA. The decision highlights the differences that persist between the US and Europe in the "war on terror."]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/no-justice-for-el-masri-germany-drops-pursuit-of-cia-kidnappers-a-507455.html#ref=rss The German government has said it will not pursue extradition requests for 13 CIA agents charged with kidnapping a German citizen and taking him to Afghanistan for interrogation and abuse. Relations with the US government, Berlin says, are more important. Mon, 24 Sep 2007 12:05:01 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/no-justice-for-el-masri-germany-drops-pursuit-of-cia-kidnappers-a-507455.html The German government has said it will not pursue extradition requests for 13 CIA agents charged with kidnapping a German citizen and taking him to Afghanistan for interrogation and abuse. Relations with the US government, Berlin says, are more important.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/cia-flights-special-treatment-for-uncle-sam-a-493605.html#ref=rss About 390 CIA-run flights through German airspace were in violation of German law, and Berlin could have collected millions of euros in fines. Now internal investigations could make things embarrassing for Gerhard Schröder's government as well as the United States. Tue, 10 Jul 2007 16:35:51 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/cia-flights-special-treatment-for-uncle-sam-a-493605.html About 390 CIA-run flights through German airspace were in violation of German law, and Berlin could have collected millions of euros in fines. Now internal investigations could make things embarrassing for Gerhard Schröder's government as well as the United States.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/renditions-scandal-cia-arrest-warrants-strain-us-german-ties-a-490514.html#ref=rss The arrest warrants German authorities have issued against 10 CIA agents have strained German-American relations. Now, prosecutors in Munich want the agents extradited to Germany so they can stand trial for their alleged roles in the illegal kidnapping of terror suspects. Mon, 25 Jun 2007 14:56:38 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/renditions-scandal-cia-arrest-warrants-strain-us-german-ties-a-490514.html The arrest warrants German authorities have issued against 10 CIA agents have strained German-American relations. Now, prosecutors in Munich want the agents extradited to Germany so they can stand trial for their alleged roles in the illegal kidnapping of terror suspects.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/extraordinary-renditions-in-africa-us-interrogates-terror-suspects-in-ethiopian-jails-a-487893.html#ref=rss Terror suspects have been questioned by US officials in Ethiopia after being transferred from Somalia and Kenya. The captives included Europeans who were detained, interrogated and then released without charge. Mon, 11 Jun 2007 16:23:56 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/extraordinary-renditions-in-africa-us-interrogates-terror-suspects-in-ethiopian-jails-a-487893.html Terror suspects have been questioned by US officials in Ethiopia after being transferred from Somalia and Kenya. The captives included Europeans who were detained, interrogated and then released without charge.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/new-report-cites-proof-of-cia-black-sites-massive-and-systematic-violations-of-human-rights-a-487325.html#ref=rss In his second report for the Council of Europe, special investigator Dick Marty will say that he has "enough evidence to state" that the CIA operated secret prisons in Poland and Romania. SPIEGEL ONLINE has obtained a copy of the report, which is due for release this afternoon. It documents a "series of illegal acts" on the part of the CIA. Fri, 08 Jun 2007 10:54:21 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/new-report-cites-proof-of-cia-black-sites-massive-and-systematic-violations-of-human-rights-a-487325.html In his second report for the Council of Europe, special investigator Dick Marty will say that he has "enough evidence to state" that the CIA operated secret prisons in Poland and Romania. SPIEGEL ONLINE has obtained a copy of the report, which is due for release this afternoon. It documents a "series of illegal acts" on the part of the CIA.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/cia-agent-on-the-run-i-ve-got-nothing-to-lose-a-472537.html#ref=rss Robert Lady, the former CIA chief in Milan, has gone into hiding. He is the subject of an extradition order from Italian authorities for the role he played in the kidnapping of radical Muslim cleric Abu Omar in Milan. Washington is seeking to derail the trial -- perhaps because Condoleezza Rice may have given the operation the green light. Mon, 19 Mar 2007 20:34:57 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/cia-agent-on-the-run-i-ve-got-nothing-to-lose-a-472537.html Robert Lady, the former CIA chief in Milan, has gone into hiding. He is the subject of an extradition order from Italian authorities for the role he played in the kidnapping of radical Muslim cleric Abu Omar in Milan. Washington is seeking to derail the trial -- perhaps because Condoleezza Rice may have given the operation the green light.]]>