| Rumsfeld denies contact with afghan jailers Original Source Link: (May no longer be active) http://washingtontimes.com/upi-breaking/20040721-080855-1769r.htmhttp://washingtontimes.com/upi-breaking/20040721-080855-1769r.htm
Afghanistan tries self-styled U.S. jailers
Kabul, Afghanistan, Jul. 21 (UPI) -- Three self-styled U.S. jailers for suspected terrorists in Afghanistan say they were in regular contact with Secretary of State Donald Rumsfeld's office.
Jonathan Idema said he had evidence to prove he was working for the Pentagon, and that he was in regular e-mail, phone and fax contact.
He, Edward Caraballo and Brent Bennett are on trial for torture, kidnapping and running a private jail. Four Afghans arrested with them are also facing trial.
Among the complaints by former detainees are that the men poured hot water on them, beat them with rifle butts and hung them upside down for hours at a time during terror interrogations.
The U.S. State Department denies any links with the group, saying the men were mercenaries operating outside Washington's command.
In response to a defense lawyer's request for more time to prepare, Presiding Judge Abdul Baset Bakhtyari granted a 15-day postponement of the trial, the BBC said Wednesday.
The defendants could face 15 to 20 years in jail if convicted.
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