Associated Press
This Soviet-era prison facility was a key focus of a 2005 European investigation into allegations that the CIA operated secret prisons where suspected terrorists were interrogated. (AP photo) |
WASHINGTON — CIA Director Leon Panetta has told Congress the spy agency has taken no new prisoners since he became director in February.
He also says the CIA has terminated contracts with private companies that provided security at secret overseas CIA prisons. That will save up to $4 million.
Panetta told agency employees in an e-mail Thursday that the secret prisons are no longer used and the CIA is making plans to shutter them permanently.
The CIA still can hold prisoners temporarily. Panetta says if more prisoners should be taken, they would be interrogated by agency employees and handed over quickly each to his home country or to a country with a legal claim.