Baton with metal spikes. Credit: Robin Ballantyne
Baton with metal spikes. Credit: Robin Ballantyne
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Controlling the supply of “tools of torture”

This article argues that China not only routinely uses torture equipment, but is also a key exporter of such equipment to other countries. It provides recommendations for domestic and regional controls.

This article first examines the use of “torture tools” in China, focusing on the use and abuse of leg irons and electroshock equipment. It then focuses on the international trade in tools that have been shown to be used in the torture and ill treatment of prisoners. Finally, the article argues that the lack of regional control mechanisms facilitates the use of, and trade in, Chinese-made “tools of torture” beyond China.

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