Claim Bangladesh torturing soldiers

Thursday 5 July 2012

Human Rights Watch (HRW) yesterday accused Bangladesh of torturing and killing paramilitary soldiers accused of involvement in a 2009 mutiny.

Custom byline text:

DHAKA

It is the latest complaint against the country's feared special police force.

HRW said the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), an elite crime-fighting unit it has previously labelled a "death squad" was alleged to have been involved in many of the abuses.

"At least 47 suspects have died in custody," said HRW, which interviewed more than 60 people. "Detainees were subjected to beatings, often on the soles of their feet or palms of their hands, and to electric shock. Some victims described being hung upside down from the ceiling."It added: "Torture is routinely used by security forces in Bangladesh. Human Rights Watch and others have long documented the systematic use of torture in Bangladesh by its security forces."The government denied the accusations. HRW has urged Bangladeshi authorities to establish an independent task force.

Commenting & Moderation

We moderate all comments on HeraldScotland on either a pre-moderated or post-moderated basis. If you're a relatively new user then your comments will be reviewed before publication and if we know you well then your comments will be subject to moderation only if other users or the moderators believe you've broken the rules, which are available here.

Moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours. Please be patient if your posts are not approved instantly.

Claim Bangladesh torturing soldiers

Commenting & Moderation

MOST READ

SPONSORED LINKS

MOST COMMENTED