Photograph showing a soldier ‘simulating’ kicking an Iraqi detainee, used in the court martial of three soldiers from the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers accused of ill-treating civilian prisoners. PA/EMPICS
The countries where torture has taken place form a complex international network – and most of them have a British connection.
Afghanistan
Since 2001, the USA has established several detention camps in Afghanistan. One British citizen, captured in Afghanistan, confessed under torture to having been with Osama bin Laden on a particular day. In reality, he had been working at Curry’s in Tipton.
Cuba
Guantanamo Bay is a US base leased from Cuba. The US government initially argued that neither Cuban nor US law applied there.
Diego Garcia
The US is believed to hold detainees at ‘Camp Justice’ on Diego Garcia, a British-owned island in the Indian Ocean.
Egypt
Many terrorist suspects have been ‘rendered’ to Egypt, where a state of emergency is in force and torture is widespread.
Gambia
In 2002 Wahab Al-Rawi and his brother Bisher were arrested on a business trip from Britain to Gambia. After interrogation by US intelligence, Wahab was released. Bisher, who is an Iraqi citizen, was flown to Guantanamo Bay, where he remains.
Iraq
According to a US Army report, the Abu Ghraib abuses were an isolated incident. Similar photographs have since surfaced from a British Army base in Iraq.
Israel
Israeli interrogators claim that their use of torture has prevented suicide bombings, although this has been disputed.
Saudi Arabia
Suspects in Saudi jails are routinely tortured into confessing. Victims have included two British men.
Syria
Denounced by George Bush as part of the ‘axis of evil’. Has tortured terrorist suspects on behalf of the USA.
Uzbekistan
Notorious for brutal torture methods. MI6 has described information obtained from Uzbekistan as ‘high-grade intelligence’.
