Europe: Increasing pressure over allegations of CIA secret detention centres

On 13 December, the Council of Europe Rapporteur investigating allegations of CIA secret detentions and “rendition flights” in Europe said the information gathered so far is credible. The Council of Europe Secretary General has opened a formal inquiry, requesting states to provide information about the allegations. On 15 December, the EU Parliament also decided to set up a temporary committee to investigate the allegations. The EU Justice commissioner Frattini indicated that member states could face sanctions including the suspension of voting rights in the EU Council if the allegations are found to be true.