Senate Intel Committee calls for watchdog to probe CIA handling of sexual assault cases

The Senate Intelligence Committee is contacting the CIA Inspector General to “start an instant examination” into the company’s supposed mishandling of sexual attack and harassment cases, according to a brand-new letter sent out to the guard dog’s workplace.

The letter from committee chairman Sen. Mark Warner, a Virginia Democrat, and vice chair Sen. Marco Rubio, a Florida Republican politician, which has actually not been formerly reported, was sent out on Wednesday, Rubio’s workplace verified to CNN.

It states the ask for an examination by the inspector general follows the panel was informed “of a variety of claims of sexual attack and unwanted sexual advances dedicated versus Central Intelligence Company (CIA) officers– by CIA officers– that are declared to have actually been grossly mishandled by the CIA.”.

” We are exceptionally worried by what we have actually found out to-date about the nature of these claims and CIA’s action to them. We compose to ask for that you instantly start an examination to analyze CIA’s adherence to all relevant laws and Company policies, assistance, procedures, and practice to guarantee an office devoid of sexual attack and harassment, to consist of the degree to which wrongdoers– and not the victims– of such conduct are held to account under the law and CIA policies,” the letter states.

” We respectfully ask for that you analyze and examine the functions and duties of all Company elements in avoiding– and reacting to claims of– sexual attack or harassment amongst Company workers,” it includes. “We even more ask for that you think about the degree to which the law or Company policies, assistance, procedures, or practice present barriers to the administration of justice under the law or in Company workers choices and make advised modifications that would eliminate any determined barriers to accomplishing simply leads to cases of sexual attack or unwanted sexual advances.”.

CIA IG Robin C. Ashton informed CNN in a declaration that the workplace is evaluating the letter.

” We take really seriously the committee’s ask for an evaluation of the essential problems they have actually highlighted and will take proper action constant with our independent oversight duties,” the declaration included.

A CIA representative stated they would not talk about the examination.

” We do not talk about CIA Inspector General examinations, however there is no tolerance for sexual attack or harassment at CIA. The Director and senior CIA leaders take this matter exceptionally seriously,” CIA representative Tammy Kupperman Thorp stated.

The demand follows your house Intelligence Committee stated previously this month it was examining the CIA’s handling of sexual attack and harassment cases.

That probe likewise comes as numerous female CIA workers have actually approached your house committee considering that the start of this year and informed legislators the company is preventing females from submitting sexual misbehavior grievances, according to an individual knowledgeable about the matter.

Reacting to your house Intelligence Committee’s examination, the CIA stated in a previous declaration: “There can be no tolerance for sexual attack or harassment at CIA. The Director and senior CIA leaders have actually personally consulted with officers to comprehend their issues and to take speedy action. We have actually developed a workplace to work carefully with survivors of sexual attack, and we are dedicated to dealing with every issue raised by members of the labor force with the utmost severity.”.

” Our senior management group, consisting of the Director, continues to be completely engaged on this concern and is tracking it carefully. We are dedicated to supporting your house Intelligence Committee’s examination and are keeping the Committee upgraded on our development,” the company included.