Looking back at experiences from 30 years with documentation and prevention of torture.

The author describes his experience in conducting monitoring visits to detention centres in different countries with an analytical perspective on the elements that perpetuate torture.

A problematic Israeli High Court dismissal of a torture complaint. A commentary by Hans Draminsky Petersen, MD.

It is not for the documenting medical experts (Shir, 2019), but for the court to decide whether the level of pain and suffering inflicted reaches the threshold of torture [while disregarding ill-treatment], i.e., the court upholds the prerogative to apply its own interpretation of the definition of torture, no matter existing medical evidence and disregarding the Istanbul Protocol.

Assessing the level of credibility of allegations of physical torture.

Background: No means exists to classify the overall credibility of physical torture allegations, which relies on qualitative forensic medical criteria.

Objectives: To develop procedures for processing physical data from torture allegations in order to achieve robust credibility assessments. To assess inter-observer variation in semi-quantitative evaluations.

Factor interaction in prevention of torture: Reflections based on Carver's and Handley's research.

Unlabelled: "Does torture prevention work?" is a very comprehensive book based on commendably profound research in 16 countries. It contains a wealth of very important results concerning the relationship between a multitude of factors in the prevention and occurrence of torture. However, the results described may be interpreted in a manner different to how it was done in the book.

Detainees' perception of the doctors and the medical institution in Spanish police stations: An impediment in the fight against torture and ill-treatment.

Background: As part of a program by the Basque Government (Spain) and the University of the Basque Country, persons who have alleged exposure to torture and ill-treatment have been examined by psychologists and psychiatrists according to the Istanbul Protocol (IP). Medical examinations of detainees with the aim, inter alia, to document abuses is fundamental for torture prevention. The IP prescribes how this should be done to ensure data collection and prevent reprisals for having reported ill-treatment to the doctor.

Skin changes following defibrillation. The effect of high voltage direct current.

Previously, electrical injuries have been suggested caused only by the concomitant heat developed during the passage of an electrical current. Recent experimental studies on fully anesthetized pigs and the study of one human case have, however, shown typical electrical alterations. The purpose of the present study was further to evaluate the histology of electrically induced changes in the skin in humans.

Rule of law, law and the health profession. Zimbabwe 2002.

Introduction: Politically motivated violence around elections in Zimbabwe has been documented before. A fact-finding mission was planned and undertaken two months ahead of the presidential election March 2002.

Methodology: We interviewed and examined persons who alleged exposure to politically motivated torture, ill treatment and other human rights abuses.