torture

× Clear Filters
396 Articles

The Méndez Principles: Beware Crossing the Line to Psychological Torture

As the UN marks the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, a reminder of the many forms of such abuse that are prohibited.
The Courtroom of the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg with empty chairs. A banner at the front reads, “European Court of Human Rights” and the carpet in front of the bench shows the circle of stars against blue such as is on the European Union flag.

The Méndez Principles: A Focus on the Exclusionary Rule

To eliminate interrogation abuses, consistently bar all information gained via torture or cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment.
Supreme Court Building

The Surprisingly Broad Implications of Nestlé USA, Inc. v. Doe for Human Rights Litigation and Extraterritoriality

In Nestlé USA, Inc. v. Doe, the U.S. Supreme Court took up the question of corporate liability for human rights violations under the Alien Tort Statute (ATS) for the third time.…
A human rights activist, dressed to resemble the now famous Abu Ghraib prison photo depicting an Iraqi prisoner being tortured, stands on a street corner during rush hour in front of the US Department of Justice 22 February 2005 in Washington, DC.

How the Biden Administration Should Take Torture-Derived Evidence Off the Table

In a decent legal system, the government does not ask courts to admit evidence derived from torture, nor does it press other arguments that disregard the absolute prohibition on…
A dark room with a table, chairs, and a camera on a tripod. A briefcase and photographs are spread out on the table.

The Méndez Principles: Sharpening the View on Interrogation and Utilitarianism

Philosopher-jurist Jeremy Bentham's “ticking bomb scenario,” often cited to justify torture, has spawned wild misconceptions.
An American flag hangs on a wall behind barbed wire.

State Secrets and the Torture of Abu Zubaydah

More than any case to have reached the Supreme Court, Abu Zubaydah’s case demonstrates the need to carefully scrutinize what information the Executive Branch can legitimately…
Marines grab a blindfolded Japanese prisoner of war while disembarking from a submarine returned from war patrol.

The Méndez Principles: Building Rapport and Trust in Interrogations to Elicit Reliable Information

The demonstrated effectiveness of evidence-based methods strengthens the argument against torture and ill-treatment.
Lt. Gen. John Kimmons, U.S. Army, holds up a copy of the Army Field Manual, FM 2-22.3, Human Intelligence Collector Operations as he briefs reporters on the details of the manual in the Pentagon on Sept. 6, 2006.

The Méndez Principles: The Need to Update the Army Field Manual on Interrogation for the 21st Century

Defense Secretary Austin should convene an expert panel to ensure that methods used are informed by current science.
Superintendent Paul Basham, Dr Richard Stephenson, and Jane Andrews speak to the media at the Dunedin Central Police Station on May 11, 2021 in Dunedin, New Zealand.

The Méndez Principles: Emergence and Global Expansion of Non-Coercive Interviewing

Three national jurisdictions that have introduced legal and effective techniques demonstrate that change is possible and is already underway.
A guard tower is seen outside the fencing of Camp 5 at the US Military's Prison in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba on January 26, 2017.

The Méndez Principles: Science Shows Interrogation is Too Serious for Amateurs

Probing memory requires delicacy and care, because the method can change what the subject recalls -- and they wouldn't even be aware of it.
UN Special Rapporteur for Torture Juan Mendez speaks during a press conference in Colombo on May 7, 2016.

The Méndez Principles: A New Standard for Effective Interviewing by Police and Others, While Respecting Human Rights

Former UN Rapporteur on Torture says interrogations that reject coercive and abusive methods and build rapport are necessary and achievable.
View of the former clandestine detention and torture centre -the Argentine Army Mechanics School (ESMA) Officers Casino- now turned into the Memory and Human Rights Place, during the 45 th anniversary of the military coup, in Buenos Aires on March 24, 2021.

The Méndez Principles: Leadership to Transform Interrogation via Science, Law, and Ethics

New guidance points the way to scientifically sound, lawful, human rights-compliant, and effective practices.
1-12 of 396 items

DON'T MISS A THING. Stay up to date with Just Security curated newsletters: