"Drastic measures in drastic times." -Faqi

I think we've heard that one before.

"Necessity is the plea for every infringement of human freedom. It is the argument of tyrants; it is the creed of slaves." -- William Pitt

Larry, Palo Alto, CA

Why all this fuss now, it happens all over the world. If the 'free world' thinks that they are safe, then they are sadly mistaken. Due to our bumbling politicians on the left of the PC Brigade our lives are not safe as we have been asked to tolerate the intolerant in our midst. If no one does anything about it, we may have more 9/11's and 7/7's and so forth. Eternal vigilance is the only answer to the problem at hand. Rendition is very necessary at this time. Drastic measures in drastic times.

Faqi, London, UK

Finally people are starting to stand up for their rights. For far too long the CIA have controlled not only US politics and through illegal activities the US economy, they think that they can simply have the run of the entire planet. I'm not lawyer but every single one of those 1,245 (known) flights must have been an illegal act which potentially went on to encourage others against the rights of individuals. Not only that but costs incurred and/or countries that allowed this to go on reflect directly on every one. If we allow this to happen we're only one small step behind and uncontrollable big brother combined with a Nazi style rule of power. IF Italy can take things this far, and the Canadian government are doing something similar where is the UK? Right now i imagine so deeply involved that they simply cannot follow a similar route. IF the UK is as involved as one might imaging then i am ashamed to be British. It seems that we're still unable to keep our hands out of other countries business before leaving when it gets too hot.

Jeff Bridges, Langley, Britain

You know, guys, I'm really shocked about aforesaid facts. I do belive in all this accusations, especially because it all have happended in the world history not at once. Only in the 20th century the privite life and freedom became an object of esteem and mostly throughout the western world. And what we see nowadays? Kidnapping, tortures, violance sanctioned by authorities on the one hand and THE CONCEPT OF RULE OF LAW on the other! I'm a Russian citizen and in our country people are of doubtful value for the Government and secret services. And, unfortunately, such stories as "CIA’s extraordinary rendition programme" only strenthen their neglect to the life and dignity of an individual (the argument: if democratic leaders allow themselves such deeds why we cannot act voluntarily and cruelly?). You know, the difference between western country and Russia is that we see that a victim in Europe may enjoy some remedy (money) and accuse authorities and these remedies failure in Russia...

Vitaliy, Moscow, Russia

The kidnap and virtual air piracy of indivauls is totally alien to the democratic traditions of the west. The arrest and charging of indivuals and bringing before the courts is the only people to justice

Malcolm, Coventry, UK

Torture, supporting torture or aiding a process which results in torture is not only a crime - it is a crime against humanity. Through this first step action, Italy has shown that it has both the moral and legal strength to try and protect basic civilised behavior. Germany in a less dramatic way has also indicated that humanity is important. Sadly America in its revision of the War Crimes Act has shown that it acks such moral fortitude. One hopes that over time all those responsible - directly or indirectly - in such an horrendus act are broght to trial to stand accused before humanity. One hopes that humanity will make them pay for their heineous crimes. Those responsible include not only those who torture but those who order the event and those who support it. That includes the pilots, the politicians, the military and yes the air traffic controllers in Prestwick.

Loat, London,

The prosecutors claim that the illegal kidnapping compomised Italy's counter terrorist campaign. As such it is alleged that it was an act in support of terrorism. I believe the judge has issued a European arrest warrant which is valid in the UK. I further believe that the UK government agreed a treaty with the US government whereby arrest warrants connected to alleged terrorist activities would automatically be honoured in extradition hearings in either country. The UK meekly complied with an extension of this agreement to cover non-terrorist activities in the case of three bankers last year. I recall Baroness Scotland was dispatched to the US to ensure the US Senate ratified the agreement made by the US government. Perhaps Mr. Blair will now insist that the US honour their undertakings and immediately extradite, without argument or legal debate, the US residents charged in the Italian courts in this matter. Or is he really George Dubbya's lapdog?

David Cooke, Woking, UK

Whatever the outcome of the trials in Italy, the end result will be nullified by a conflict with American law.
Last year the GOP Congress, at the direction of the Bush Administration, revised the War Crimes Act of 1996 so that any US official involved in war crimes at the direction of officials of the US govt. could not be charged with such a crime regardless of the nature of the charges or the proof of such crimes. Thus, as long as a US official was acting in accordance with orders from his superiors, they cannot be held liable for such crimes and they cannot be extradited to other countries to be tried for such crimes.
This is the way the Bush Administration operates. It is a travisty of justice, but there it is.

Steven, Wisconsin, USA

All of you need need to take a deep breathe and just calm down (and maybe take a lesson in writing proper English would help, also).

No rational person would ever compare the President to a dictator, murder, or person who commits crimes against humanity. You may disagree with the current American foreign policy, but lets end it at that.

We Americans, as you know, do the world's work in making it safe for all peoples. We pay; we suffer; we cry. You whine. So what else is new?

Pieter Kreyns, Bethel Park, PA/USA

I live in italy (and i can made any language mistake), and the CIA it is truly overbearing to come in Italy and to make it even if the authorization has been denied.

Lorenzo, Ravenna, Italy

Finally someone in Europe is man enough to stand up to the "Evil Empire". For most of the last half-century this mini-continent was like the 51st state. Some like the UK are still more complaint to King George's wishes than even actual US states. Speaking of which, you guys should vote to get rid of your Queen and apply to join!

WhiteSands, Dublin, Ireland

If torture is the only means by which the Bush Administration can obtain evidence, then they are no better than Saddam Hussein in his prime.

Sally Anne Hamath, King's Lynn, Norfolk, England

Well done to the Italian judge for making this symbolic gesture. Nothing will happen, but at least the issue will be highlighted. Much more than anything Mr Blair's government or the Lord Chancellor might contemplate for fear of antagonizing the americans.

Hamad Lone, Thornton Heath, England

That other rogue state, North Korea used to kidnap people in other countries in the 70s.

I'd ike to know how many of the peope who were subect to rendition aka kidnap and torture were actually guilty of being "terrorists".

Just like with the Guantanamo people, most were innocent.

kev Lax, Shanghai, China