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 It was later withdrawn from the authorised list.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.