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US Makes Canadian Torture List

'Torture awareness' manual for diplomats includes US, Syria, Israel, Iran

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 18, 2008 6:40 AM CST

(Newser) – The US, along with China, Syria, Iran, Afghanistan, and Israel, is listed in an official Canadian foreign ministry document of countries where prisoners are at risk of torture, the BBC reports. The "torture awareness" training manual classifies as torture some US interrogation techniques, including forced nudity, isolation, and sleep deprivation.

The document, which was given to Amnesty International as it builds a court case against the Canadian government over alleged mistreatment of detainees in Afghanistan, also mentions Guantanamo Bay. "The training manual is not a policy document and does not reflect the views or policies of this government," insisted a spokesman for Canada's foreign ministry.

An Amnesty International supporter sits inside a cage, built to resemble those at the Guantanamo Bay detention facility. A document provided to Amnesty by the Canadian government lists the USA among countries where prisoners are at risk of torture, and refers to Guantanamo Bay, where a Canadian is being held.
An Amnesty International supporter sits inside a cage, built to resemble those at the Guantanamo Bay detention facility. A document provided to Amnesty by the Canadian government lists the USA among countries...   (Getty Images (by Event))
Demonstrators from the group World Can't Wait hold a mock waterboarding...
Demonstrators from the group "World Can't Wait" hold a mock waterboarding...   (Getty Images (by Event) Individuals)
The foreign ministry document came to light as Amnesty International builds a case over the treatment of detainees in Afghanistan. Amnesty alleges that detainees were tortured in Afghanistan after Canadian soldiers transferred suspects to Afghan security forces. Amnesty is calling for stopping all transfers of prisoners
The foreign ministry document came to light as Amnesty International builds a case over the treatment of detainees in Afghanistan. Amnesty alleges that detainees were tortured in Afghanistan after Canadian...   (Getty Images)
Canada's Parliament buildings. A training document produced by the Canadian foreign ministry lists the US among countries where prisoners are at risk of torture, although a government spokesman said this did not reflect Canada's view of its ally.
Canada's Parliament buildings. A training document produced by the Canadian foreign ministry lists the US among countries where prisoners are at risk of torture, although a government spokesman said this...   ((c) abdallahh)
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Manual calls Guantanamo possible torture site
CBC (Canada)

Canadian man tells of Guantanamo abuse
Toronto Star (Canada)

Amnesty slams Canada's stance on torture
Canadian Press

 
Afghanistan • China • Iran • Israel • torture • Syria • Canada • United States • Amnesty International • Guantanamo Bay • sleep deprivation • interrogation techniques • Canadian foreign ministry • isolation • torture list

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