Holtzman told Radio Sputnik that there's enough evidence to launch a thorough investigation of current and former high-ranking US officials following allegations of their direct involvement in CIA torture practices.
"You've got to look thoroughly at the excuses that may be made by potential defendants; that hasn't been done", she explained. "But is there enough evidence to start a serious criminal investigation? Without any doubt."
Everybody has to be held accountable under the law, whether you are a drug dealer, a terrorist or a former president, Holtzman said, explaining that the US Constitution stipulates that the president ensure that the country's laws are faithfully executed.
"It is wrong to be in the situation as we are now in, in the United States, with this ample evidence of potential criminal wrongdoing by the former president…and other top officials, and to do nothing", she said.
The US Army field manual, which does not allowing physical or psychological coercion, is supposed to provide the guiding principle, Holtzman claimed, and there should be no exception for high-ranking officials.
"In my opinion, the best preventive measure that can be taken against torture in the future is to investigate fully and prosecute where warranted the torture that took place in the past", she stated.
The report, which was released by Human Rights Watch, contains evidence of the harsh interrogation techniques the CIA used on detainees, which violated US and international law. US President George W. Bush, former Vice President Dick Cheney and National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice are among the most prominent suspects.
An investigation into the matter was launched but has not yet been completed.
