Iranian Accuses CIA of Torture
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TEHRAN, Iran (AP) – An Iranian diplomat freed two months after being abducted in Iraq accused the CIA of torturing him during his detention, state television reported Saturday.
Jalal Sharafi said the CIA questioned him about Iran’s relations with Iraq and assistance to various Iraqi groups, according to state television.
“Once they heard my response that Iran merely has official relations with the Iraqi government and officials, they intensified tortures and tortured me through different methods days and nights,” he said.
Mr. Sharafi was seized Feb. 4 by uniformed gunmen in Karradah, a Shiite-controlled district of Baghdad. He was freed on Tuesday.
Iran alleged the diplomat had been abducted by an Iraqi military unit commanded by American forces – a charge repeated by several Iraqi Shiite lawmakers. American authorities denied any role in his disappearance.
Mr. Sharafi was a second secretary at the Iranian Embassy involved in plans to open a branch of the Iranian national bank. American officials allege that Iran provides money and weapons to Iraqi Shiite militias.
His release came as Iran held a group of 15 British sailors and marines seized in the Persian Gulf, though Britain, America and Iran have all denied any links. The sailors were freed on Wednesday.
