The State Department would not specify whether the Obama administration believes water boarding is a form of torture Friday.
Jen Psaki, the State Department's spokesperson, was responding to the Associated Press's Matt Lee's questions about recent allegations by an Oregon Muslim man who claims he was tortured at the behest of the State Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigations.
While not prodding about an ongoing legal case, Lee pressed Psaki over general state department practices.
MATT LEE: There is no question, in your mind, or in the mind of the building, that torture would happen at the behest of the State Department?
JEN PSAKI: I think you're referring to.. I don't want to speak to specific details, but that type of behavior... no we wouldn't support.
LEE: Is it correct that this administration believes that water boarding is torture?
PSAKI: Matt, you're taking me down quite a rabbit hole here.
LEE: It's not a rabbit hole, it has to do with consistency. Is it correct that this administration believes water boarding is torture?
PSAKI: I just don't think I have anything further to add on this particular case.
