Prosecutor Named to Probe CIA Prisoner Abuses

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U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder on Monday named a special prosecutor to probe CIA prisoner abuse cases, a move that could distract President Barack Obama from his drive to reform the healthcare system.

Holder's decision, which promises political headaches for Obama, came after the Justice Department's ethics watchdog recommended considering prosecution of Central Intelligence Agency employees or contractors for harsh interrogations in Iraq and Afghanistan that went beyond approved limits.

Career prosecutor John Durham will head the probe, adding to the one he is already doing of the CIA's destruction of videotapes showing harsh interrogations of terrorism suspects.

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