Torture is a specific form of state violence. In practice, the boundaries of torture are subject to vigorous debate – for instance, does a tortured person have to be detained? Can rape be a form of torture? Where does psychological pressure, or degrading treatment, end and torture begin? These questions illustrate the ongoing contentious nature of how torture is defined, legitimised or challenged.
Torture is a specific form of state violence. In practice, the boundaries of torture are subject to vigorous debate – for instance, does a tortured person have to be detained? Can rape be a form of torture? Where does psychological pressure, or degrading treatment, end and torture begin? These questions illustrate the ongoing contentious nature of how torture is defined, legitimised or challenged.
