Asraf Jamiri Musa, a 17-year old in the Philippines was arrested, tortured, and accused of being part of the violent group Abu Sayyaf. Asraf is a college student working towards his Bachelor's Degree for Education. Asraf and his cousin, Pawad Esmael Alpad, were taken from Asrafs' aunt's house. The police officers were supposedly looking for two members (Nurhasan Jamiri and Musanna J. Musawho ) of Abu Sayyaf that were staying at the same house as Asraf. Asraf and Pawad were taken in for questioning. Pawad was released, however, Asraf was not as fortunate. Asraf experienced many forms of torture after being arrested. He was first blindfolded with his arms and legs bound as he was punched repeatedly. He was also submerged in water three times. He was repeatedly asked if he was part of Abu Sayyaf and when he denied they said he would be killed if he did not admit to membership with the group. While being blindfolded he was also told to hold a hard object as he was photographed. He later learned that the object was a hand grenade. The next day he was charged with "illegal possession of an explosive" ( Silverio 1). Asraf has been examined by a medical doctor that has diagnosed Asraf with two contusions and erythema. Both which are signs of trauma.
(Asraf)
The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) is fighting on behalf of Asraf. As of now, Asraf is still in jail and the AHRC is trying to appeal to head government officials in the Philippines so that Asraf can be released. The article addresses the human right of humane treatment when detained or imprisoned, furthermore, it also violates the human right of special protections of children. Besides Asraf's testimonies of mistreatment by authorities, his body shows physical proof that has been supported by a doctor's diagnosis. Human treatment when detained or imprisoned is a human right but it is happening all over the world. Not only is Asraf a prisoner being mistreated, but he is also a minor. Children are meant to have special protection under international law. This case shows the violence used against prisoners as well as, children. The military's excuse for using such torture is because they suspect Asraf to be a part of the Abu Sayyaf group, however, they have shown no proof of his membership besides the hand grenade they placed in his hands. The military was trying to get Asraf to admit to being a part of Abu Sayyaf. I do not believe that torture is the right way to obtain information from prisoners, especially when the military has no proof of involvement in a crime.
Are there certain instances when it is acceptable to torture prisoners?
http://bulatlat.com/main/2011/09/10/international-human-rights-group-appeals-for-17-year-old-victim-of-military-torture/
(Asraf)The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) is fighting on behalf of Asraf. As of now, Asraf is still in jail and the AHRC is trying to appeal to head government officials in the Philippines so that Asraf can be released. The article addresses the human right of humane treatment when detained or imprisoned, furthermore, it also violates the human right of special protections of children. Besides Asraf's testimonies of mistreatment by authorities, his body shows physical proof that has been supported by a doctor's diagnosis. Human treatment when detained or imprisoned is a human right but it is happening all over the world. Not only is Asraf a prisoner being mistreated, but he is also a minor. Children are meant to have special protection under international law. This case shows the violence used against prisoners as well as, children. The military's excuse for using such torture is because they suspect Asraf to be a part of the Abu Sayyaf group, however, they have shown no proof of his membership besides the hand grenade they placed in his hands. The military was trying to get Asraf to admit to being a part of Abu Sayyaf. I do not believe that torture is the right way to obtain information from prisoners, especially when the military has no proof of involvement in a crime.
Are there certain instances when it is acceptable to torture prisoners?
http://bulatlat.com/main/2011/09/10/international-human-rights-group-appeals-for-17-year-old-victim-of-military-torture/
I would argue that if there is no doubt that somebody has insider knowledge about a dangerous act, it may be ok to use certain torture techniques. If the US had known about the attacks of 9/11 and we captured say osama bin laden before hand, i don't think very many people would protest at his torture to save the lives of thousands. But that would be only ever acceptable if there was conclusive evidence without a shred of doubt. However, this does set a dangerous precedent, because then corrupt governments could argue that there is evidence, when there may not be. The treatment of Asraf is really sad, and that action really should not be allowed.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Carissa. In an instance such as 9-11, it would have been so crucial for America to gain all the information possible and save those lives unnecessarily taken. However, as Carissa also pointed out, such actions a definitly a "catch-22" because although every nation needs the ability to keep its people safe, the actuality of technically doing so and STILL not step over the borders of individual human rights is really difficult. As in the case of Asraf, the fact that he is a minor who's rights are being imposed upon is outrageous. Yet, sadly, how does an issue like that even really stop?----especially in places such as Israel? Is there really a solution?
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