More than one in three Afghans detained on conflict-related allegations say they were tortured or mistreated, according to a U.N. report released Wednesday based on interviews with nearly 800 detainees.
The detainees reported 16 torture methods, including beatings, suspension from walls or ceilings, electric shocks and near-asphyxiation. Some detainees said their genitals were twisted with a wrench-like device while others reported being kept in extremely hot or cold conditions and being denied food and water.
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“Afghanistan’s efforts to prevent torture and ill-treatment have shown some progress over the last two years,” said UNAMA head Nicholas Haysom. “More remains to be done, however, and I welcome the new administration’s immediate attention to end these practices.”
