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Is the use of torture ever justified in dealing with criminals and terrorists?

Personally, I think that torture is not justified in dealing with criminals and terrorists. Torture, in my opinion, is an act whereby pain and agony is being inflicted on a person, be it physically or mentally. Indeed, criminals and terrorists had committed serious crimes and ought to be punished. But is it really necessary to use means of torture to force information from them during interrogation?

In my context, torture is in fact a violation of human rights. Photographs shown on the internet are proof of such violation. One of which shows US prison guards with German shepherd attack dogs snarling at Iraqi prisoners like in some Gestapo jail. Another photograph shows an elderly Iraqi woman, stripped naked and being ridden like a donkey. Well, they may be criminals, but does that fact entitled anyone with the right to hurt and humiliate them? In the example of Abu Ghraib, a series of abuse is being used, from physical to sexual abuse. People should not be abusing the power or authority bestowed upon them – the authority to investigate and interrogate.

Interrogation is a skill, not a legal standard part of wanting tighter command and control. Using harsh interrogation methods on criminals had breached the humane principle of democracy. Investigators are willing to forgone their humanity for certain benefits. They may be able to “gain” power and more authority with important information obtained from these criminals. Moreover, applying torture may not necessary boost the productivity. The example of Abu Zubaydah cited in the article proved the point. Despite the application of brutality, information given by him was mostly useless. There is actually no guarantee that torture will work every time. So why are they still using it when there is no guarantee results?

Perhaps unexpected yield may be received through these coercive interrogation methods. But an indelible stain will be left on the honour of the American military. The pervasive torture, the humiliation, sexual degradation of prisoners, the gratuitous beatings, rapes and outright murders will eventually damaged the national security. Moreover, efforts to bring peace to Iraq and win the war against terrorism will be undermined. One should have thought of the consequences he had to bear. One of the consequences that occurred to the Americans is that no matter how hard they tried to suppress their scandal with regard to torture, it had already tarnished their international stage. Those photographs shown on the internet served as irrefutable evidence of the depravity of the US leaders and this will be etched in the memories of many.

With references to:
http://www.internationalist.org/iraqtorture0504.html
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/torture/talk/index2.html

Labels: Task 4

posted by Si Hui @ 7:53 PM