Human Rights First Human Rights First

Getting the Torture Argument Right: It Doesn’t Work

5-27-2011

By Beth Tuckey
Whitney Ellsworth Fellow, Communications
for Law and Security Program

 

Stand with U.S. interrogators and debunk the myth that torture "works."

It is tempting to ignore the “torture worked” jubilation and to refuse to engage with those whose claims damage the moral fabric of the United States. The fact that this debate is again rearing its ugly head may be less a consequence of substance than one of politics. Listen to this week’s podcast for analysis on the recent torture debate rising from the death of Osama bin Laden.

The use of torture does not only violate the very basic principles of human rights, but also gives the U.S. government a false sense of security—setting a poor example for other countries around the world. Particularly as we are seeing torture and repression of civilians in places like Bahrain, Yemen, and Libya, it is important that the U.S. practices what it preaches.

It’s time for this debate to end. Torture does not work. Human Rights First will continue to challenge the current torture debate until we have one that is based on facts and not politics.


  • Hikari

    I am simply startled on how many American people is nowadays, since 9/11, in favour to torture, the arguments are so long and basic and conflicting to so many American principles.. I just can’t believe it.