Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Torture, Inquistion-style
Of all the torture techniques banned by President Barack Obama, the one that CIA leaders wanted most to retain was sleep deprivation. The reason was two-fold: sleep deprivation was both effective in getting suspected terrorists to talk, and it was viewed as less barbarian than waterboarding, body slamming and other torture methods. From the beginning of the secret program, depriving prisoners of sleep became a key tool of the CIA, although over time the method sparked internal debate as agents seemed to overuse it.
According to Justice Department memos released by the Obama administration, sleep deprivation would entail chaining prisoners in a standing position, with feet shackled to the floor and their hands cuffed close to their chins. They would be left in this position for days on end—up to 11 days at one point. Denied food and the use of bathrooms (and clad only in diapers), prisoners who started to nod off would tilt over and be caught by their chains, forcing them awake. If exhaustion proved greater than the yanking of the chains, interrogators would splash the prisoners with water to maintain the sleeplessness. Medical personnel were on hand to ensure prisoners weren’t injured, but the prolonged shackling did produce cuts on wrists and ankles, not to mention the emotional trauma.
It is not out of the realm of possibility that certain torture methods will be reauthorized by the Obama administration. CIA Director Michael Hayden for one wants sleep deprivation made available in case future need arises, and a task force is reviewing its use along with other interrogation methods.
-Noel Brinkerhoff
Memos Shed Light on CIA Use of Sleep Deprivation (by Greg Miler, Los Angeles Times)
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