The U.S. attorney general — speaking Tuesday at the International Institute for Strategic Studies think-tank in London — vehemently denied such charges, but acknowledged that people might interpret the term "torture" in different ways. The U.S. abides by its own definition, which he said was the intentional infliction of severe mental or physical suffering.
LONDON U-S Attorney General Alberto Gonzales is defending American treatment of terror suspects against criticism from Europe and elsewhere.
Speaking at a London think tank, Gonzales says the United States abhors torture and respects the rights of detainees.
He also says the United States does not transport terrorism suspects to nations where it is more likely than not that they could be tortured.
Human rights groups and other European critics allege that American planes may be using European airports and air space to send suspects to nations that may torture prisoners.
The attorney general, speaking at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, also says America treats detainees at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, properly and affords them extensive legal protections.
He also acknowledged disagreements between the United States and Europe on tactics in the fight against terror.
