Torture and ill-treatment: an intro for medics
How is torture defended?
I knew I gotta get off the fence… Here was somebody [Mohamedou Ould Slahi] I felt was connected to 9/11, but in our zeal to get information, we had compromised our ability to prosecute him.
(Colonel Couch)
Introduction
As healthcare professionals (HCPs) seeking to oppose torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment (CIDT), it is useful familiarise ourselves with the arguments in its favour. Why do proponents of torture think the way they do? And when those thoughts have evolved into actions, how do they defend and even justify themselves? Let's take a look at three of the most common arguments, along with critiques of famous examples.
Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.
Hebrews 13:3