IS TORTURE EVER JUSTIFIED? (This is a 70)

One of the most controversial issues which is being discussed today is whether torture is justified or not. Throughout history, torture has been used as an interrogation technique whose varieties are waterboarding, sleep deprivation and drowning. According to UN laws, every state must also abolish torture. Some people think that torture is a necessary technique to extract information whereas others think that it is sadistic, cruel and inhumane behaviour.

Proponents of torture justify their claims saying that information is sometimes more valuable than morals. For instance, what if a bomber plants a bomb in a public place, how could we learn the location of the bomb? In this case, terrorist attacks make torture legal; however, opponents of torture argue that torture is cruel behaviour. Waterboarding means literally drowning someone to death and then bringing him back to life a moment later. Proponents do not bear the other side of the coin in mind because the suspect could be innocent. Torture has long-term traumatic effects on people who are subjected to torture. Therefore, after torture, innocent people cannot lead a meaningful life.

Proponents of torture assert that information is a weapon in the war against terrorism. Currently, extremist terrorist groups like Isis capture families to demand  a ransom. They think that torture is a more effective interrogation technique in this case. Although they are right to a certain extent, their arguments are outdated due to the fact that there is another technique which provides information. According to psychologists, using diplomacy is the most effective way. Therefore, torture is unacceptable.

In conclusion, taking all things into consideration, torture is a growing concern all over the world. Although it is prohibited by law, some governments continue to use it. Torture is not a solution to anything, on the contrary, it raises  ethical problems.