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GOP lawmakers: Prisoner exchange violated law

By Darlene Superville
Published May 31, 2014 9:57pm ET
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GOP lawmakers: Prisoner exchange violated law
FILE - This file image provided by IntelCenter on Dec. 8, 2010, shows a frame grab from a video released by the Taliban containing footage of a man believed to be Bowe Bergdahl, left. Saturday, May 31, 2014, U.S. officials say Bergdahl, the only American soldier held prisoner in Afghanistan has been freed and is in U.S. custody. The officials say his release was part of a negotiation that includes the release of five Afghan detainees held in the U.S. prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. (AP Photo/IntelCenter, File) MANDATORY CREDIT: INTELCENTER; NO SALES; EDS NOTE: "INTELCENTER" AT LEFT TOP CORNER ADDED BY SOURCE | Uncredited

WASHINGTON (AP) — Two Republican lawmakers on Saturday accused President Barack Obama of breaking the law by approving the release of five Afghan detainees held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in exchange for a U.S. soldier believed held by Islamist insurgents for five years.

The White House agreed that actions were taken in spite of legal requirements and cited “unique and exigent circumstances” as justification.

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