In Washington, human rights activists with Amnesty International have erected a replica of a Guantánamo Bay prison cell on the National Mall. Zeke Johnson of the group Counter Terror with Justice said in addition to closing Guantánamo, government officials should be held accountable for authorizing torture.

Zeke Johnson: “Part of Amnesty International’s campaign is calling for an end to torture and other cruel and inhuman and degrading treatment in the context of the fight against terrorism. So we want torture to end and for people who authorized and implemented it to be held accountable.”

The action comes ahead of a House hearing today on interrogation practices at Guantánamo. Vice President Cheney’s chief of staff David Addington and former Justice Department lawyer John Yoo are among those expected to testify. Today is also the World Day in Support of Victims of Torture.