One of the major players in the development of the CIA's "enhanced interrogation techniques" is fighting for his career. James Mitchell, one of the psychologists who crafted the methods, could lose his license to practice in Texas due to charges of professional misconduct related to the development of the techniques.
Joseph Margulies, a Northwestern University law professor, and Dicky Grigg, an Austin lawyer, worked with a Texas psychologist, Jim L. H. Cox, to bring the complaint, which documents in lurid detail Dr. Mitchell’s role in the questioning of prisoners.
The complaint, which was brought in June, alleges that the doctor misrepresented his qualifications to the C.I.A., placing "his own career and financial aspirations above the safety of others" while designing a "torture regime" with a "complete lack of scientific basis."
Among other things, Mitchell is accused of participating in sessions that involved sexual humiliation and waterboarding. Valtin diaried extensively on Mitchell's activities back in 2009.
The APA has weighed in on this as well. In a statement to the licensing board, the association said that the accusations against Mitchell, if true, would be flagrant violations of APA ethics guidelines and would be grounds for expulsion if he were a member.
Margulies is also seriously considering teeing up Bruce Jensen, the other psychologist involved in crafting the CIA techniques. Jensen is currently licensed in Idaho.
In my view, there has to be some way to get Margulies a medal. Thanks to him, at least one of the major players in this torture fiasco is going to have to answer for it.
Update: Since this made the rec list, I thought I'd provide the snail-mail and fax number for the Texas Board of Psychologists so anyone who wants to weigh in (especially if you're a psychologist or health care worker).
Address: 333 Guadalupe
Tower 2, Room 450
Austin, Texas 78701
Fax: (512) 305-7701