9 GOP senators ask that CIA probe be nixed

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 (UPI) -- Republican senators urged U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to ax plans for a special prosecutor to investigate CIA agents who questioned terrorism suspects.

In a Wednesday letter to Holder, the nine senators said the appointment of a special prosecutor could "have serious consequences, not just for the honorable members of the intelligence community, but also for the security of all Americans," The Hill reported.

The CIA drew heat during the administration of George W. Bush for its harsh interrogation methods of suspected terrorists. CIA officials also faced criticism over harsh interrogation techniques that led to dubious confessions and deaths of detainees, the Washington publication said.

In their letter, the senators noted reports that the special prosecutor would focus on how CIA interrogators treated Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the self-proclaimed mastermind of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

The senators said the interrogation of Mohammed produced "absolutely vital" information that led to the capture of other terrorists and prevented other attacks on the United States.

"It is ironic that the Obama administration, which has delayed justice for the victims of September 11 by suspending the trial of KSM, may soon be charging ahead to prosecute the very CIA officials who obtained critical information from him," the lawmakers wrote.