Torture, forced confessions and abuse still 'rampant' in China
Amnesty International uncovers use of medieval instruments, including spiked rods and torture chairs
Political activists and their lawyers are being routinely tortured by authorities in China, according to an investigation by Amnesty International.
The new report, based on interviews with dozens of human rights lawyers, contains shocking details of arbitrary detention, abuse and forced confessions.
Researchers discovered that a range of medieval torture instruments were being employed, including spiked rods and electric batons. One device commonly used is known as a Tiger Bench.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Using the torture device, a detainee's body is tightly strapped to bench and bricks are gradually added under the victim's feet, forcing their legs to bend backwards.
Despite torture being outlawed in China and repeated promises of judicial reform, such practices remain rampant in nearly every part of the country, warns Amnesty.
"For the police, obtaining a confession is still the easiest way to secure a conviction," said report author Patrick Poon. "In a system where even lawyers can end up being tortured by the police, what hope can ordinary defendants have?"
The foreign ministry has disputed the report's findings, insisting that "China is a country governed by the rule of law" and that the government was working to bring "fairness and justice” to all.
The investigation comes just a week before the United Nations anti-torture committee is set to review China's human rights record.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Bonnie Blue, Andrew Tate and a new cult of sex extremism
Talking Point OnlyFans adult worker and male misogynist have 'plenty in common' claims commentator
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
The UK's best exhibitions and shows to visit in 2025
The Week Recommends These are the most exciting events in the cultural calendar
By Irenie Forshaw, The Week UK Published
-
Decrepit train stations across the US are being revitalized
Under the Radar These buildings function as hotels, restaurants and even museums
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Who is the Hat Man? 'Shadow people' and sleep paralysis
In Depth 'Sleep demons' have plagued our dreams throughout the centuries, but the explanation could be medical
By The Week Staff Published
-
Why Assad fell so fast
The Explainer The newly liberated Syria is in an incredibly precarious position, but it's too soon to succumb to defeatist gloom
By The Week UK Published
-
Romania's election rerun
The Explainer Shock result of presidential election has been annulled following allegations of Russian interference
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Russia's shadow war in Europe
Talking Point Steering clear of open conflict, Moscow is slowly ratcheting up the pressure on Nato rivals to see what it can get away with.
By The Week UK Published
-
Cutting cables: the war being waged under the sea
In the Spotlight Two undersea cables were cut in the Baltic sea, sparking concern for the global network
By The Week UK Published
-
The nuclear threat: is Vladimir Putin bluffing?
Talking Point Kremlin's newest ballistic missile has some worried for Nato nations
By The Week UK Published
-
Russia vows retaliation for Ukrainian missile strikes
Speed Read Ukraine's forces have been using U.S.-supplied, long-range ATCMS missiles to hit Russia
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
Has the Taliban banned women from speaking?
Today's Big Question 'Rambling' message about 'bizarre' restriction joins series of recent decrees that amount to silencing of Afghanistan's women
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published