July 3, 2005

First of all an American military doctor call fellow health professionals to keep the oath they took on themselves and oppose torture.

I urge my fellow health professionals to join me and many others in reaffirming our ethical commitment to prevent torture; to clearly state that systematic torture, sanctioned by the government and aided and abetted by our own profession, is not acceptable. As health professionals, we should support the growing calls for an independent, bipartisan commission to investigate torture in Iraq, Afghanistan, Guantanamo Bay and elsewhere, and demand restoration of ethical standards that protect physicians, nurses, medics and psychologists from becoming facilitators of abuse.

America cannot continue down this road. Torture demonstrates weakness, not strength. It does not show understanding, power or magnanimity. It is not leadership. It is a reaction of government officials overwhelmed by fear who succumb to conduct unworthy of them and of the citizens of the United States.

The Stain of Torture
( http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/06
/30/AR2005063001680.html )

Even Iraqi police are still using the same methods of Saddam, it it’s confirmed by the US military.

Major General David Rodriguez, the commander of U.S. and coalition forces in the area around Mosul, says that in the "last six to eight weeks" there have been approximately "40 or so" cases of abuse.

Senior U.S. Military official confirms detainee abuse by Iraqi security forces
( http://www.wtnh.com/global/story.asp?s=3546236&ClientType=Pr
intable )

And the British are "concerned" about it

A British Foreign Office spokesman said the reports were serious.

"We are aware and deeply concerned by reports of detainee abuse by Iraqi police officers and of men in police uniforms committing serious crimes, whether these men are genuine policemen or not,"


Britain 'concerned’ at Iraqi police abuse reports
( http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200507/s1405820.htm )

After they read this report

A 'ghost’ network of secret detention centres across the country, inaccessible to human rights organisations, where torture is taking place.

UK aid funds Iraqi torture unitshttp://observer.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,6903,15
20186,00.html )
(

But no need for more reports because the Iraq government running out of ideas to deny it

"These things happen. We know that," Laith Kubba told a news briefing

Iraqi government admits abuses by security forces
( http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/newsarticle.aspx?type=topNew
s&storyid=2005-07-03T172132Z_01_MOL359899_RTRUKOC_0_IRAQ-ABU ... )

Images


All images below are Iraqi citizens tortured and died by Iraq police and military