Tag: torture
A learning theory approach to deprivation of liberty through imprisonment: Implications for definition of torture in international law
Abstract In my 2017 book on Torture and Its Definition in International Law: An Interdisciplinary Approach I presented a learning theory formulation of torture to highlight its core definitional characteristics from a behavioral science perspective. These include a) exposure to unpredictable and uncontrollable stressors that pose a risk of helplessness and hopelessness responses and b)… Read More ›
New book
TORTURE AND ITS DEFINITION IN INTERNATIONAL LAW: AN INTERDISCIPLINARY APPROACH Edited by METİN BAŞOĞLU Oxford University Press New York, 2017 This book presents an interdisciplinary approach to definition of torture by a group of prominent scholars of behavioral sciences, international law, human rights, and public health with internationally recognized expertise and authority in their field…. Read More ›
Definition of torture in United States law: Does it provide legal cover for “enhanced interrogation techniques”?
Abstract The overly restrictive US definition of torture set forth by the “torture memos” in the early aftermath of 9/11 has been widely criticized for excluding “enhanced interrogation techniques” (EITs) and thereby creating loopholes for impunity. In the light of the US Senate Intelligence Committee Report on CIA’s detention and interrogation program confirming the use… Read More ›
Waterboarding is severe torture: Research findings
In my previous post I reviewed the misconceptions that characterize the debate on torture renewed by the movie Zero Dark Thirty and presented some research evidence showing that waterboarding is one of the most physically and mentally distressing forms of torture. In this article I expand on the issue of waterboarding and review further evidence… Read More ›
Zero Dark Thirty: The unbearable lightness of the torture debate
The debate on whether torture works is once again revived, this time by Kathryn Bigelow’s upcoming film Zero Dark Thirty. The responses to the film vary. Frank Bruni of the New York Times, summarizes the movie’s basic message as “no waterboarding, no Bin Ladin” and concludes that it does not “reflect many experts’ belief that torture… Read More ›
Prevention of torture and rehabilitation of survivors – Review of the UN Committee against Torture Working Document on Article 14: Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment
I have recently received a copy of a paper presented at the 12th European Conference on Traumatic Stress in Vienna in June 2011 by psychologist Nora Sveaas from the Department of Psychology of University of Oslo. Dr. Sveaas is also a member of the UN Committee against Torture (CAT). Her paper (entitled Gross human rights… Read More ›
