SECRET CIA LANDINGS RAISE CONCERNS IN EUROPE
18 November 2005

Authorities on the Spanish island of Mallorca began complaining of alleged secret landings by CIA-linked planes, after a prominent local figure charged that, according to an unnamed source, at least 10 such stopovers occurred in early 2004, in the last months of the Aznar government. The flights are said to have been carrying "detainees" whose legal condition is considered a violation of international human rights laws.

Spanish investigators appear to have uncovered proof of the flights and are said to be looking into the possible role of members of the former government, under Aznar, in approving the stopovers. The flights may also be a violation of Spanish law, but Spanish authorities have so far said they are not alleging the CIA violated Spain's sovereignty by way of the secret flights.

Now, it has come to light that several other European countries are looking into allegations surrounding the secret landings on their soil, potentially in violation of their own laws. Sweden, Norway, Iceland and Portugal, have added their investigations to the unfolding diplomatic scuffle. It is not clear at present who might face charges, if anyone, if the landings are found to violate international or domestic laws.

Worries have spread, in light of recent revelations that the flights may be linked to the secret imprisonment or "disappearance" of suspected terrorists in camps where it is alleged torture and deprivation may have been routine. Several European governments are now faced with explaining whether they or their predecessors were knowingly or unwittingly involved in the legally undefined detentions. [s]