Under
the code name "MKUltra," the U.S. government ran a human-research
operation within the CIA's Scientific Research Division. Researchers tested the
effects of hypnosis, sensory deprivation, isolation, torture, and most
memorably, LSD, on U.S. and Canadian citizens. Most had no idea.
To
conduct these experiments, the CIA paid prisons, hospitals, and other
institutions to keep quiet. The department even enticed heroin addicts to
participate by offering them heroin, according to documents from a joint
hearing to subcommittees of Congress, where President Kennedy spoke.
That
day, he regaled Congress with "chilling testimony." Over 30
universities became involved in various studies. Notably, many lacked oversight
by medical or scientific professionals. At least one participant, Frank Olsen,
died, reportedly from suicide after unknowingly ingesting LSD.
In
January 1973, then CIA Director Richard Helms ordered the destruction of all
documents pertaining to MKUltra. When Congress looked into the matter, no one,
not even Helms, could "remember" details. Through a Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) request, more documents were located, but the full
timeline remains incomplete.
The
events inspired investigative journalist Jon Ronson's best-selling book,
"The Men Who Stare At Goats," now a movie of the same title starring
George Clooney
