Read the OLC torture memos here

Download the full documents, just released by the Obama administration, which provide legal justification for CIA interrogation methods including waterboarding.

Published April 16, 2009 8:45PM (EDT)

On Thursday afternoon, the Department of Justice released four memos produced by its Office of Legal Counsel during the Bush administration, all of which provide justification for CIA interrogation methods, some of which -- like waterboarding -- constitute torture. Salon has made all of them available for download in PDF form.

First, an August 1, 2002 memo written by then-OLC head Jay Bybee to acting CIA General Counsel John Rizzo, discussing what the OLC said were acceptable methods for use in interrogating al-Qaida member Abu Zubaydah. Download it here.

Second, a May 10, 2005 memo written by the OLC's Steven Bradbury -- who later went on to head the office -- discussing various techniques and their legality. Download it here.

Third, another May 10, 2005 memo written by Bradbury, which examines the legality of those techniques if used in combination on a single detainee. Download it here.

Finally, a May 30, 2005 memo from Bradbury about whether certain techniques were consistent with the U.S.' obligations under the U.N. Convention Against Torture. Download it here.


By Alex Koppelman

Alex Koppelman is a staff writer for Salon.

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