Valium for the Soul

The man has obviously never had to stay up for many nights at a time with a sleepless child (or 2). Lack of sleep is mind numbing and thoughts of sleep becomes all consuming. Studies show that 17hrs without sleep is the equivalent of blowing .05 on an alcohol breathalyser.

Additional Protocol I, Article 75 of the Geneva Convention states:

'murder; torture of all kinds, whether physical or mental; corporal punishment; and mutilation…are and shall remain prohibited at any time and in any place whatsoever, whether committed by civilian or by military agents.'

Furthermore, using force to obtain information is specifically prohibited in Article 31 of the Fourth Geneva Convention which states that:

'No physical or moral coercion shall be exercised against protected persons, in particular to obtain information from them or from third parties.'

I'm not sure precisely how Ruddock & his mate GWB determined that sleep deprivation is outside the bounds of the Geneva Convention – but my personal opinion is that damaging people to get answers means that at some point the lack of sleep or the large amount of pain will ensure that they tell you ANYTHING just to make the inhumane actions stop.

On a positive note however the following statement was made by Bob Brown (Greens Senator):

'The use of sleep deprivation is torture. Using ghetto blasters and extreme cold and light to keep prisoners awake for days on end is part of new torture techniques aimed to scar the mind but not the body,'

'Philip Ruddock is dumping long-held Australian values.'

Which means of course we've had an Australian Value articulated:

Torture is anti-australian

Which is not subjective by any means is it?

More here, here, here and here.