The results of inquiries into the CIA’s programme of extraordinary rendition and secret prisons in light of the new legal framework following the Lisbon Treaty

This note provides an assessment of the ‘state of play’ of European countries’ inquiries into the CIA’s programme of extraordinary renditions and secret detentions in light of the new legal framework and fundamental rights architecture that has emerged since the Treaty of Lisbon entered into force. It identifies a number of ‘EU law angles’ that indicate a high degree of proximity between the consequences of human rights violations arising from the alleged transportation and unlawful detention of prisoners and EU law, competences and actions – which challenge the competence of EU institutions and/or their obligation to act. The note presents a scoreboard and a detailed survey of the results, progress and main accountability obstacles of political, judicial and ombudsmen inquiries in twelve European countries.

• Primary Source

European Parliament: DG Internal Policies: The results of inquiries into the CIA's programme of extraordinary rendition and secret prisons in light of the new legal framework following the Lisbon Treaty: Executive summary http://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/studiesdownload.html?languageDocument=EN&file=74472

ESO: Background information: EU Urges Poland, Romania to Shed Light on CIA Jails Affair http://www.europeansources.info/record/eu-urges-poland-romania-to-shed-light-on-cia-jails-affair/

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