According to the Senate report, the CIA misled Congress and the White House about the harsh methods such as waterboarding, sleep deprivation, mock executions and threats that the relatives of the prisoners would be sexually abused.
“These were medical procedures,” Hayden said during an interview with CNN. “What I am told is that this is one of the ways that the body is rehydrated.”
“You’re really defending rectal rehydration?” Tapper asked. Hayden responded, “What I’m defending is history.”
“I don’t even know what to say,” Tapper said, adding, “I’m just dumbfounded.”
New York-based Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) said Wednesday that the antiquated practice of rectal rehydration or feeding amounted to willful torture and “sexual assault.”
“Contrary to the CIA’s assertions, there is no clinical indication to use rectal rehydration and feeding over oral or intravenous administration of fluids and nutrients,” said Dr. Vincent Iacopino, PHR’s senior medical adviser.
“This is a form of sexual assault masquerading as medical treatment. In the absence of medical necessity, it is clear that the only purpose behind this humiliating and invasive procedure is to inflict physical and mental pain.”
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