Torture and inhumane treatment are “widespread” in U.S.-run prisons

[dajoki]

Reuters
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12602098/

Amnesty: Torture ‘widespread’ in U.S. custody
Human rights group says U.S. ‘creating climate’ in which abuse can flourish

Updated: 7:19 a.m. ET May 3, 2006

GENEVA - Torture and inhumane treatment are “widespread” in U.S.-run prisons in Afghanistan, Iraq, Cuba and elsewhere despite Washington’s denials, Amnesty International said on Wednesday.

In a report for the United Nations’ Committee against Torture, the London-based human rights group also alleged abuses within the U.S. domestic law enforcement system, including use of excessive force by police and degrading conditions of isolation for inmates in high security prisons.

“Evidence continues to emerge of widespread torture and other cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment of detainees held in U.S. custody,” Amnesty said in its 47-page report.

It said that while Washington has sought to blame abuses that have recently come to light on “aberrant soldiers and lack of oversight”, much ill-treatment stemmed from officially sanctioned interrogation procedures and techniques.

“The U.S. government is not only failing to take steps to eradicate torture, it is actually creating a climate in which torture and other ill-treatment can flourish,” said Amnesty International USA Senior Deputy Director-General Curt Goering.

[goclark]

1. The World of Torture According to GW

Seems like he could visit one of the prisons, have a Photo Op there.

That would not happen in a thousand years!

[undergroundpanther]

2. Torture happens in

closed private places,"controlled environments" where there is a culture of domination and a top down social hierarchy..This kind of environment can engender torture.Be it in a dysfunctional family in a private home, Prisons, mental hospitals,churches, colleges and militaries are all vulnerable to the kinds of social climate that makes for torture. Sadly some of these places change the name of torture as if calling it something else will make it not really be torture..they might call it"hazing" ,spanking' or"discipline",to minimize the victims voice.. And in elementary to high schools torture caused by bullying can be reinforced by "authority" when teachers don't care about bullied victims..and fail to intervene.

[mr.alleycat]

3. It's a "Well Duh" moment

When the pres signs a "No Torture" bill, then says I don't have to follow it.