1. Torture Through Sensor Deprivation
Judith Walker
December 7, 2005

2. 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
December 7, 2005

3. 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
December 7, 2005

4. 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
December 7, 2005

5. 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
December 7, 2005

6. 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
December 7, 2005

7. 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
December 7, 2005

8. Motivation to Torture Reluctant or peripheral participation
Official encouragement
Peer encouragement
Dehumanization
Disinhibition
Organizationally
December 7, 2005

9. Effects of Torture Difficult to prove Physical Mental
Sexually transmitted diseases
Musculo-skeletal problems
Post-traumatic epilepsy
Mental
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Depression
Anxiety
December 7, 2005

10. Sensory Deprivation Definition Short periods can actually be relaxing
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
December 7, 2005

11. 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
December 7, 2005

12. Example of Sensory Deprivation
Prisoner at Guantanamo Bay
Blindfolded
Earmuffs
Medical mask
December 7, 2005

13. Example of Sensory Deprivation
Waco, TX
Metallica Music
Helicopters
Tapes of howling coyotes
Complete sleep deprivation
December 7, 2005