A US-based human rights body has demanded that Bush administration promptly investigate and address allegations of torture of detainees suspected to be Al Qaeda members.

The Washington Post newspaper had reported that the detainees are subject to torture and other forms of mistreatment, while in US custody in Afghanistan.

"US officials who take part in torture, authorise or close their eyes to it can be prosecuted anywhere in world," the Human Rights Watch wrote in a letter to President George W Bush.

It demanded Bush to issue a statement that it is contrary to US policy to use or facilitate torture in any circumstances.

"Torture is always prohibited under any circumstances," Executive Director, Human Rights Watch, Kenneth Roth said.

Such acts, if true, violate international legal prohibitions against torture and other ill treatment under treaties that the United States has ratified, the Watch said.

The convention against torture specifically prohibits torture and mistreatment, as well as sending detainees to countries where such practices are likely to occur.

Senior US officials become aware of acts of torture by subordinates and fail to take immediate and effective steps to end such practice, they would be criminally liable under international law for ‘command responsibility', the letter said.