The US Government, under the auspices of the military (who is running the country I wonder?) 'defend' human rights publicly yet impose conditions that have been labelled as torture.
The conditions under which Pfc. Manning is held breach the USA's obligations under various international standards and treaties to which they have previously agreed, including Article 10 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which the USA ratified in 1992 and which states that "all persons deprived of their liberty shall be treated with humanity and with respect for the inherent dignity of the human person."
So it is a case of promoting human rights, when it suits them not because it is the right thing to do. Evidently they do not really care for human rights (as demonstrated in their invasion of Afghanistan where 150,000 civilians have been killed including killing 9 afghan boys under 14. From the safe distance of a helicopter of course. As well as other terrorist acts such as the Collateral Video which we have all seen.
The harsh conditions imposed on Pfc. Manning also undermine the principle of the presumption of innocence, which should be taken into account in the treatment of any person under arrest or awaiting trial. We are concerned that the effects of isolation and prolonged cellular confinement--which evidence suggests can cause psychological impairment, including depression, anxiety and loss of concentration--may, further, undermine his ability to assist in his defense and thus his right to a fair trial.
The US is rapidly becoming a police state and less a free country.
More at Torturing Bradley Manning
No comments:
Post a Comment