NCTTP's Statement on Dianne Feinstein's Passing

The National Consortium of Torture Treatment Programs and its members mourn the passing of esteemed U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein of California. Included among her many accomplishments in serving California and the nation was her longstanding support for survivors of torture and accountability for those who carried out torture. Along with Senators Rod Grams and Paul Wellstone of Minnesota, Senator Feinstein and Senator Barbara Boxer of California were critical advocates to gain the approval of the Torture Victims Relief Act of 1998 which helps provide rehabilitation services for torture survivors reaching the US from around the world. Senator Feinstein was also committed and courageous in leading the federal investigation and the release of a more than 6,700-page report into torture carried out by the Central Intelligence Agency in its “enhanced interrogation techniques” used after the September 11 attacks. Senator Feinstein was an honorable and valiant champion for human rights, including support for torture survivors and others experiencing cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. We are grateful for her leadership by example and her belief in what we advocate every day: Torture is always wrong.