Free Torture Essay Example

After reading and analyzing the two articles by Rejali and Bloche, one is able to identify differences in their views. Starting with their stand concerning the use of torture as a means of gathering intelligence, the two authors present their opposing views (Simon 65). For instance, Rajeli argues that torture is aimed at intimidating the accused person and not to gather information. On the other hand, Bloche argues that torture is mostly used to develop a state of hopelessness and despair among the prisoner.
The approach taken by the two authors concerning the use of torture to gather information from the prisoners is also different. Although they both argue that prisoners are most likely to say anything due to torture, Bloche believes that people can be trained to resist torture. Rajeli strongly opposes the idea of training people to resist torture by insisting that no prisoner can withstand coercion. Also, Rajeli believes that the outcome of torture entirely depends on the prisoner’s personality and no one can predict it. On the other hand, Bloche points out that one can employ the tactics of punish and reward to get desired information from the prisoner. Basing on Rajeli’s argument, if the prisoner’s personality is the one of telling their interviewers what they want to hear, and then the information gathered after the reward will just be the expected one and not necessarily the truth (Mitroiu 663).
The position for the two authors is also different. Rajeli believes that the use of torture against prisoners does not help in gathering information as the prisoner’s response solely depends on his or her personality. On the other hand, Bloche’ position on torture is that it can help in gathering the desired information the use of punishment and reward. However, Bloche believes that torture is wrong and contravenes the rights of prisoner.

Works cited

Mitroiu, Simona. "Screening Torture: Media Representations of State Terror and Political Domination." The European Legacy 19.5 (2014): 663-664.
Simon, Thomas W. "Icongraphy of Torture: Going Beyond the Tortuous Torture Debate." Denv. J. Int'l L. & Pol'y 43 (2014): 45-91.