Young people on the way of the cross © Stefano Dal Pozzolo (CBA)
Jesus died on the cross, he was tortured. Christians remember his suffering on Good Friday. Even today, people in numerous countries around the world still have to suffer terrible things – even though the United Nations outlaws torture.
On Good Friday, Christians remember Jesus' crucifixion and the suffering it entailed. Christ died an agonizing death of torture – after being scourged, having a crown of thorns placed on his head, and having to carry the heavy cross to the place of his execution, as it is said in the Gospels. In the Philippines, there are believers who allow themselves to be scourged on Good Friday or even crucified in a controversial ceremony. What some do voluntarily there is bitter seriousness for others.
Because: according to Amnesty International, prisoners are tortured or abused in 141 states. "Sleep deprivation, electric shocks, simulated drowning. There are many ways to torture people – always severe suffering is inflicted on the victims, their will is to be broken," explain the human rights activists. Often, the victims struggle with the consequences for the rest of their lives. In most cases, it was state security forces who ordered, carried out or approved torture.
Torture is forbidden
"At the same time, the United Nations conventions make it clear: torture is prohibited – everywhere and under all circumstances," Amnesty International emphasizes. In 1984, the United Nations (UN) Convention against Torture made the prohibition of torture binding under international law.
This is literally a "Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment".
Despite this, reports of atrocities continue to shock the public. "Torture is always a breach of international law. 'Torture is a blatant breach of taboo,' says Amnesty expert Maria Scharlau.
Just two examples: The Human Rights Organization recently reported torture and mass executions in Saydnaya prison in Syria, which was confirmed by the federal government. For Tunisia, which the German government wants to classify as a safe country of origin, human rights activists speak of police torture. There is talk of mistreatment, beatings with rubber hoses and sticks, electric shocks, sleep deprivation and sexual abuse.
Under the guise of counter-terrorism, the security forces were still as brutal against their own citizens as they were in the days of the dictatorship overthrown in 2011, the report on Tunisia said.
Amnesty calls for more treatment centers for survivors
In general, Scharlau states: "It is very common that torture is used in the name of national security or in the fight against terrorism. One reason is that the police want to show investigative results."
The UN Convention clearly states that the signatory states must ensure that torture is prevented – even in exceptional situations such as war or political instability. In addition, people must not be sent back to countries where torture could be threatened. Here, too, the German deportation debate sends its regards.
The UN Convention defines torture as intentionally inflicting "great bodily or mental pain or suffering" on people. For example, to force a confession, to punish them for deeds – regardless of whether they were committed or not – or to intimidate them. Violence is not only used by "torture states" – think, for example, of the images of torturing U.S. soldiers from Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq.
Traces on body and soul
Many victims of torture bear marks on their bodies and have to cope with the consequences for their souls. Some of them are among the refugees in Germany. Some of them have fled from the terrorist militia "Islamic State" (IS), which, incidentally, has also cruelly restaged the crucifixion.
Scharlau says Amnesty has "long called for the strengthening of treatment centers for survivors. It is part of the legal rights of a victim of torture to be medically rehabilitated."The federal and state governments should contribute more financially to the centers. In February, the Federal Association of Psychosocial Centers for Refugees and Victims of Torture reported that in 2015 about 14.100 patients would have received counseling or therapy through the organization.