BlindLoop

Top 5 Methods of Interrogation

November 12, 2010 Uncategorized

Sleep Deprivation

Sleep Deprivation is one of the most commonly used method for interrogation.Prisoner is kept awake for several days and when they are finally allowed to sleep they are awakened and interrogated.Generally, a detainee undergoing this technique is shackled in a standing position with his hands in front of his body, which prevents him from falling asleep but also allows him to move around within a two- to three-foot diameter.

This method is effective , because human body can survive without food but can’t survive without sleep. If a human being is not allowed sleep for over 24 hours , it can cause temporary insanity and the desire to sleep is so intense, even hunger and thirst can’t take over it.During Afghanistan and Iraq war, sleep deprivation had been one of the most important elements in the CIA’s interrogation program, used to help break dozens of suspected terrorists, far more than the most violent approaches.Monitoring by medical personnel is important when sleep deprivation is combined with other methods because of the risk of hypothermia and “exacerbated” hallucinations.

This technique for interrogation is banned by President Obama now.

Water Boarding

In this procedure, the individual is bound securely to an inclined bench, which is approximately four feet by seven feet. The individual’s feet are generally elevated. A cloth is placed over the forehead and eyes. Water is then applied to the cloth in a controlled manner. As this is done, the cloth is lowered until it covers both the nose and mouth. Once the cloth is saturated and completely covers the mouth and nose, air flow is slightly restricted for 20 to 40 seconds due to the presence of the cloth. During those 20 to 40 seconds, water is continuously applied from a height of twelve to twenty-four inches. After this period, the cloth is lifted, and the individual is allowed to breathe unimpeded for three or four full breaths.The procedure may then be repeated. The water is usually applied from a canteen cup or small watering can with a spout.

Although the subject may experience the fear or panic associated with the feeling of drowning, the water boarding does not inflict physical pain or permanent damage.

Water Boarding is considered one of the most effective technique for interrogation.

Sexual Humiliation

This is another common technique to cause shame to the victims. Sexual humiliation includes forced sex , forcing victim to involve in homosexuality with other prisoners. Its kind of playing with prisoner’s religious and social beliefs, for example if a prisoner has harsh beliefs towards sex or women he can be forced to get involve in display of sexuality or masturbation etc. This technique has fair success rate but it can be easily misused as in the case of Iraq’s Abu Gareeb jail.

Exploiting Prisoner’s Phobias

The idea is to know the prisoner’s phobias and exploit them. For example if he/ she fears spider,rodents or cockroaches, he/ she is made to stay in a room filled with them, It causes great amount of panic and anxiety and when reached to that state he is interrogated.

Stress positions

This technique involves posing a prisoner in an uncomfortable position for a period of several hours such as squatting into a sitting position or standing on the balls of his feet. Muscle failure, serious physical discomfort and often outright pain in the muscles, joints and elsewhere are meant to weaken the subject’s mental will and determination. No restraints or external devices are used.

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