Description:
Abstract:
"Despite the fact that torture constitutes one of the most brutal attacks
on human dignity, and not withstanding the absolute prohibition of
torture under any circumstances, almost no society is immune from
torture. In many societies, it is practiced systematically. Burma is
one such country. In addition, conditions of detention, in Burma, are
appalling and arguably qualify as cruel, inhuman and degrading,
amounting to torture. This paper explores the nature of torture in
Burma?s interrogation centres and prisons. Evidence suggests the
practice of torture, in Burma, serves the purpose of extracting
confessions and information; extracting money; as a punishment; and
perhaps, most dangerously, of silencing dissent. The victims, in
Burma, are often activists with different agendas, and include
members of the political opposition, ethnic groups, labour activists
and human rights defenders. The State Peace and Development
Council (SPDC) continues to deny the existence of political prisoners,
arguing that ?there are only criminals in Burma?s prisons? and refutes
claims of torture and ill-treatment. However, the deplorable conditions
in these places of detention are well documented. The Assistance
Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) has systematically
documented hundreds of cases of torture experienced by political
prisoners, dating back to 1988 and as recent as 2010. Through
interviews, former political prisoners recount the torture and illtreatment,
which they suffered, as well as that which they have
witnessed.
The research reveals that torture is not limited to isolated cases but
inflicted in a routine, if not, systematic manner..."
Source/publisher:
Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma)
Date of Publication:
2010-10-19
Date of entry:
2012-09-28
Grouping:
- Individual Documents
Category:
Language:
English