CIA Lawyer Reportedly Given Immunity in Probe of Destroyed Interrogation Tapes
CIA lawyer John McPherson has reportedly been given immunity to testify in a probe into the destruction of videotapes showing harsh interrogations of terrorism suspects.
Two sources told the Washington Post that McPherson could be called to testify before a grand jury later this month or in April. McPherson had been hesitant to testify, although he was not thought to be at risk of criminal charges.
The grant of immunity could signal that the investigation by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Durham of Connecticut is nearing an end, the Post says.
Durham was considering whether the CIA had destroyed 92 interrogation tapes to avoid disclosure in a congressional or federal investigation, a possible violation of obstruction of justice laws. Because that case could be difficult to prove, prosecutors have turned their attention to possible false statements, the Post says.
