CIA torture claims: who knew what and when

As the fallout over the US Senate Intelligence Committee's report into the CIA’s brutal interrogation techniques continues, with three former CIA directors challenging its claims, this is who knew what and when:

George W Bush: former US president

Stated in his autobiography that he discussed the programme with then CIA director George Tenet in 2002, before application of the techniques, and approved them. Former acting CIA General Counsel John Rizzo disputes this.

Colin Powell: Former Secretary of State

A CIA email dated 31 July 2003 states: “The [White House] is extremely concerned Powell would blow his stack if he were to be briefed on what’s been going on.” He was briefed on 16 September.

George Tenet: Former Director of Central Intelligence, CIA

In late January 2003, in response to the death of CIA detainee Gul Rahman, Tenet signed the first formal interrogation and confinement guidelines.

Donald Rumsfeld: Ex defence secretary

He was made aware of the CIA interrogation programme before recertification of the covert action for the first time in a 25-minute briefing on 16 September 2003. It was Condoleezza Rice who ordered his briefing.

John Brennan: Former Deputy Director and now Director, CIA

Among those who were sent an update on 26 July 2002, in which CIA officers were said to be involved in “sound disorientation techniques”.

Condoleezza Rice: Former National Security Adviser

On 31 July 2002, she said that she would not object to the CIA’s enhanced interrogation techniques if the Attorney General determined them to be legal.

More: The 20 damning report findings into CIA's post-9/11 'torture' programme