Inonesia - Article: Stop the torture of addicts

[Rachel]

Moral theorists tend to agree that nearly all instances of torture are unjustifiable, irrespective of the motive. Although universally condemned, local values continue to allow the practice of torture. This is because certain individuals and communities tend to view torture as “acceptable” if it is conducted on particular people, such as prison inmates or convicted criminals. In Indonesia this attitude prevails toward people charged with or convicted of drug abuse. It is standard, although unofficial, practice for police to torture detainees and inmates charged with this crime. What is worse, the individuals themselves often feel they deserve to be treated in such a manner. They believe they have committed a terrible crime, which makes them unworthy of being treated with dignity. The concept that they deserve to be tortured makes it extremely difficult to eradicate this practice.



In Indonesia, almost all drug-related arrests are accompanied by the practice of torture. In this context, the act of torture – cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment – is conducted in a nondiscriminatory manner.


Full article: UPI Asia.com