A Muslim in Bristol: CIA techniques are monstrous
A ccording to the Geneva Convention on treatment of prisoners, anything that constitutes "cruel and degrading treatment" is illegal. Last Monday, details of the methods that CIA officers used to get information out of alleged Al-Qaeda prisoners were revealed to the world. The report makes for uncomfortable reading.
Around a dozen techniques were initially authorised and these were later curtailed to around seven. Some of the methods, collectively known as "enhanced interrogation techniques" (America doesn't do "torture") were pretty harsh. In fact, so harsh that the term "enhanced interrogation techniques" appeared laughably tame, so a new term has been coined: "harsh interrogation techniques".
The CIA guidelines are basically a step-by-step guide on how to greet and treat prisoners. They begin with head shaving, removal of all clothes, shackling, handcuffing and a hood being placed on the head.
Abu Ghraib was the first time we saw what was happening, but it wasn't an isolated case, it was standard practice.
Of course, in some cases, official interrogators stepped "outside of their authority" using their own improvised methods. I'm assuming that's a reference to the use of dogs and prisoners placed naked on top of each other. True, these methods are not in the CIA guidelines, but the following are:
● Attention Slap – a slap across the face. Aimed at causing insult, pain and triggering fear. It was recommended that this be repeated as often as required.
● Belly Slap – a hard open-handed slap to the stomach. The aim is to cause pain, but not internal injury. Doctors advised against using a punch, which could cause lasting internal damage. It could be repeated whenever.
● Walling – using the neck collar and chain as leverage, slam the prisoner's head up against the wall. It could be done up to 20 times. It was later withdrawn from the authorised list.
● Long Time Standing – the prisoner is forced to stand, handcuffed, with his feet shackled to the floor and not allowed to sleep or sit for as long as six days. Often this would be done with the prisoner forced to wear a soiled adult nappy.
● Cold Cell – the prisoner is left to stand naked in a cell kept near 50 degrees. Throughout this time, cold water is repeatedly poured on the prisoner.
● Water Boarding – the prisoner is bound to an inclined board, feet raised and head slightly below the feet. Cloth is placed over the prisoner's face and water is poured over him. A reflex kicks in and the prisoner feels he is drowning. CIA officers who subjected themselves to the water boarding technique lasted an average of 14 seconds before caving in. One alleged Al-Qaeda prisoner was subjected to water boarding 183 times.
John Sifton, of Human Rights Watch, said: "The person believes they are being killed, and as such, it amounts to a mock execution, which is illegal under international law."
There were plenty of other examples of mock executions in the interrogations though: the threatened use of a drill or gun and pretending to kill another inmate. Threats to kill the children of prisoners, or bringing their mothers and sisters to be raped in front of them were also made.
What have we become? In fighting the monster, it appears we too have become the monster. Are these the values we are fighting for?
And all in the same week that the US went berserk over Scotland showing compassion to the Lockerbie bomber. Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill showed the values we hold dear; values worth fighting for.
22 Comments
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by Leebo, South Bristol
Tuesday, September 08 2009, 5:52PM
“Those methods are a little less "monstrous" than being filmed getting your head cut offt, dont you think?”
by bob, bristol
Thursday, September 03 2009, 3:31PM
“Mike Ford, since when have my comments been racist?
I have supported your comments till now.”
by john, briz
Thursday, September 03 2009, 10:13AM
“This guy is simply promoting division - BEP should stop pandering to him and his supporters and stop publishing this rubbish.”
by An Alien, Planet 42a
Thursday, September 03 2009, 4:44AM
“Here on Planet 42a our scientists discovered conclusive proof that there is no life after death. As a consequence our people simply gave up religion. We quickly evolved a new form of society in which life is regarded as precious, along with the environment and society we live in. All the efforts of our people are now designed to sustain our planet and enhance the all too brief life-time experience. We also gave up money and conventional forms of fiscal management. We measure and recognise our success in terms of individual and collective achievement as opposed to stock market indicies and the annual rate of resource consumption ¿ or ¿growth¿ as you amusingly call it. We hope one day that you earthlings will make similarly enlightening discoveries and thus bring an end to your primitive and paranoid culture”
by Martin, Clifton
Wednesday, September 02 2009, 7:54PM
“I agree that the torture of prisoners is abhorrent. I find a religion that advocates the murder of anyone that criticises in its own holy book also abhorrent.
Please look at your own religion before condemning others.”
by Mike Ford, Bristol
Wednesday, September 02 2009, 3:44PM
“Sorry 'jon'- how am I being naive?
The CIA are hardly likely to haul in someone innocent and squeaky clean are they? They're the CIA, not some local police force.
And bob- keep your racist crap to yourself.”
by Alex, Redcliffe
Wednesday, September 02 2009, 3:33PM
“Jon - not joking about Palestine at all. The whole world would be better off without it. In fact, that should be the first place to go.
By the way, you might want to get your facts right about Andrew Ibrahim. Britain did not "harbour him". This would involve the authorities knowing of his existence and turning a blind eye, even supporting him. However, he was caught and dealt with by the authorities. I would hardly call that harbouring terrorists, so you are completely wrong on that one.”
by bob, bristol
Wednesday, September 02 2009, 12:31PM
“The bristol evening post is my local paper and when i read life and style i expect to read about local issues, i would respect Mr Farooq if he kept his statements to local muslim issues.”
by Jon, Bristol
Wednesday, September 02 2009, 11:52AM
“Alex, when you say that countries that harbour terrorizsts should be nuked, i assume that you're including the UK in that? Remember Andrew Ibrahim? I think you need to think before spouting your nonsense.
We all need to remember that a 'terrorist' is only a 'terrorist' in certain peoples eyes. In other peoples views, they are freedom fighters.
I'm not saying that i agree with certain terrorist/freedom fighters methods, but some people are innocently caught in the crossfire.
Look at Sri Lanka. The LTTE were classed as terrorists by the government. Their cause was, in many people's eyes, a noble one, although their methods were not. Because they were Tamil, all of the Tamils were classed as terrorists and many have had their homes and belongings destroyed and are in concentration camps.
The Tamils generally do not like what the LTTE do/did, but they are caught up in the consequences.
Alex, you sound very much like George W Bush when you talk about bombing a list of countries. I hope you are joking about bombing Palestine too.
Mike Ford, your comments about don't be a suspect are naive beyond belief.”
by Mike Ford, Bristol
Wednesday, September 02 2009, 9:00AM
“Carpet bomb Afghanistan, haha bloody hell I hope you are joking! NOT a viable or civilised solution. Don't forget that attacks on Western society by terrorists are designed to throw us into chaos, they WANT us to react like that and give them a real reason to hate us.
As for interrogating suspects- they should be allowed to go as far as they want. If you don't want to be tortured, don't be a suspect. Job done.”