US Senator orders probe of alleged CIA unlawful computer hacking
20 March 2014, 22:59 -- The leader of the US Senate on Thursday ordered an investigation into what he called an 'indefensible' breach of the Senate Intelligence Committee's computers by the CIA.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said accusations that the Central Intelligence Agency spied on the panel's computers as it investigated the use of harsh interrogation techniques raised concerns about possible violations of the Constitution.
'The CIA has not only interfered with the lawful congressional oversight of its activities, but has also seemingly attempted to intimidate its overseers by subjecting them to criminal investigation,' Reid said in a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder.
'These developments strike at the heart of the constitutional separation of powers between the legislative and executive branches,' Reid added.
Reid said he would have the Sergeant at Arms, the Senate's chief security officer, begin a forensic examination of computers assigned for exclusive use by Senate Intelligence staff.
'The CIA's decision to access the resources and work product of the legislative branch without permission is absolutely indefensible, regardless of the context,' Reid wrote.
He said the agency's actions cause him 'great concern' as leader of the US Senate.
Reid also wrote to John Brennan, the director of the CIA, asking for cooperation with the investigation of what Reid said would mark the third time since 2010 in which the agency acknowledged intruding into Intelligence Committee computer networks.
Both letters were dated March 19.
Senator Dianne Feinstein, who heads the Senate Intelligence Committee, accused the agency last week of searching computers used by committee staffers examining CIA documents related to the use of harsh interrogation methods such as simulated drowning, or waterboarding, in the wake of the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States.
The veteran California Democrat - generally a staunch defender of the national security community - also denied wrongdoing by members of her staff in a strongly worded speech on the Senate floor.
The Senate Intelligence Committee is responsible for oversight of the CIA.
The CIA accused committee staff members of illegally obtaining information, and sent a 'crimes report' to the Justice Department about committee staff members' activities in obtaining classified information.
Voice of Russia, Reuters
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