Direct contact electric shock weapons displayed at IWA 2015, Germany. © Robin Ballantyne, Omega Research Foundation.
Direct contact electric shock weapons displayed at IWA 2015, Germany. © Robin Ballantyne, Omega Research Foundation.
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Tools of torture? Use of electric shock equipment among South African police

USE OF ELECTRIC SHOCK EQUIPMENT AMONG AFRICAN POLICE. A JOINT BRIEFING BY OMEGA AND THE INSTITUTE FOR SECURITY STUDIES (ISS, SOUTH AFRICA). HIGHLIGHTING MISUSE OF ELECTRIC SHOCK EQUIPMENT BY LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS, AND POLICY OPTIONS TO PROHIBIT AND PREVENT TORTURE.

Torture is not an act that happens in isolation. It occurs in many contexts, and there are several techniques and means by which pain and suffering are inflicted on suspects, convicted inmates and others deprived of their liberty.

This policy brief highlights how African law-enforcement agencies or government security forces potentially misuse electric shock equipment in a way that contravenes international and continental anti-torture frameworks. It then discusses reported cases of such misuse in South Africa. Finally, recommendations are made on how the use of electric shock equipment on the continent could be curbed, along with ways to build on efforts to prohibit and prevent torture.

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