Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Proof that threats during interrogation don't work
The statement is due soon on the findings of two inquiries regarding the capture of 15 Royal Navy personnel by the Iranian authorities. However, one thing is certain: it proves the futility of trying to extract accurate information from people by threatening them - just like what happens in Guantanamo (and probably other secret prisons)
The sailors read out pre-prepared statements on Iranian TV, condeming the British Government and the presence of forces in the Middle East. I don't doubt that they didn't believe what they were saying for a second, but it proves that after being held for a few weeks, they were prepared to say anything. And I would do the same. But if properly trained military personnel are prepared to say anything to secure their freedom, how can we expect anyone else to do differently?
Maybe, just maybe, that's the reason why there have been hundreds of arrests under the Prevention of Terrorism act, but hardly any convictions? You don't suppose that suspects are telling the authorities what they want to hear??
The sailors read out pre-prepared statements on Iranian TV, condeming the British Government and the presence of forces in the Middle East. I don't doubt that they didn't believe what they were saying for a second, but it proves that after being held for a few weeks, they were prepared to say anything. And I would do the same. But if properly trained military personnel are prepared to say anything to secure their freedom, how can we expect anyone else to do differently?
Maybe, just maybe, that's the reason why there have been hundreds of arrests under the Prevention of Terrorism act, but hardly any convictions? You don't suppose that suspects are telling the authorities what they want to hear??
