Torture Through Sensor Deprivation

Judith Walker

December 7, 2005

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Torture

Definition

The infliction of severe physical or

psychological pain or grief as an

expression of cruelty, a means of

intimidation, deterrent, revenge or

punishment, or as a tool for the

extraction of information or confessions

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Legal Status of Torture

United Nations Convention Against Torture (UNCAT) June 1987

Article 2 Each party shall take effective legislative,

administrative, judicial, or other measures to prevent acts of torture in any territory under its jurisdiction

No exceptional circumstances whatsoever, whether a state of war or threat of war, internal political instability or any other public emergency, may be invoked as a justification of torture

An order from a superior officer or a public authority may not be invoked as a justification of torture

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Legal Status of Torture

Legal language of treaty Defined as severe pain or suffering, so some

level of pain and suffering is allowed No exceptional circumstances whatsoever,

the worst that can happen to a Power is the treaty violation going on public record

Territory under its jurisdiction, so the gov’t can authorize torture in places outside of their jurisdiction without violating the treaty

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Legal Status of Torture

US 5th Amendment US 8th Amendment 2002 DoJ memo

Intentionally causing permanent damage to vital organs or permanent emotional trauma

John McCain’s amendment to the Defense appropriations bill Cheney seeking CIA exemptions

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Motivation for Torture

Gain information from an individual

about certain events or people

Punish an individual for their actions

or beliefs

Torture one to discourage others or

instill fear into the general population

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Punishment or Torture?

Singapore, March 1994

Michael Fay, 18 Vandalism 6 lashings with the

ratan– bamboo cane that leaves permanent scars

3 months for wounds to heal

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Motivation to Torture

Reluctant or peripheral participation

Official encouragement

Peer encouragement

Dehumanization

Disinhibition

Organizationally

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Effects of Torture

Difficult to prove Physical

Sexually transmitted diseases Musculo-skeletal problems Post-traumatic epilepsy

Mental Post-traumatic stress disorder Depression Anxiety

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Sensory Deprivation

Definition The deliberate reduction or removal of

stimuli from one or more of the senses

Short periods can actually be relaxing

Long periods can result in extreme anxiety, hallucinations, bizarre thoughts, depression, and anti-social behavior

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Sensory Deprivation Techniques

Wall standing Hooding Subjection to noise Deprivation of sleep Deprivation of food and drink Also have devices that can cut off the

sense of smell, touch, taste, thermoception, and gravity

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Example of Sensory Deprivation

Prisoner at

Guantanamo Bay

Blindfolded

Earmuffs

Medical mask

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Example of Sensory Deprivation

Waco, TX

Metallica Music

Helicopters

Tapes of howling coyotes

Complete sleep deprivation