Salem-News.com Torture articles Page 16

Why I Don`t Believe in Democracy

The problem is not lack of leadership, but the presence of the wrong kind of leadership—meaning they don’t have the interests of the polity in mind.

(CALGARY, Alberta) - The Republicans winning Ted Kennedy’s old seat in Massachusetts confirms my pessimism about democracy. While a Republican agenda is far from a slam-dunk, there are nation-shaking possibilities near at hand. This may end Obama’s quest for health care reform as a small number of people in one state are able to derail national policies.

Look to more public support for tax cuts that benefit the wealthy while hurting public services that almost everyone relies on to one degree or another.

Top U.S. Photographer Arrested & Injured by Police for Photographing Santa Claus

Voted the best news photographer in the United States, Scott Rensberg was treated like an animal by police in Charleston, West Virginia.

(CHARLESTON, West Va.) - An award-winning video journalist from Washington was arrested Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2009, for taking pictures of Santa and a choir at a West Virginia mall, and he says the police officer's actions during the arrest nearly dislocated his shoulder.

47-year old Scott Rensberger thought he had the situation under control, but when he went to take a photo of a police corporal named "R.C. Basford", he was suddenly in for a police 'take down' and down to the ground he went.

Taser Use in the U.S. is a Serious Problem

Just because we have the guts to talk about it.

(SALEM, Ore.) - You know, Sigmund Freud would have had a time with the psychology behind police Taser abuse. My story Monday on the new Taser gun that shoots and tortures up to three people at once, did not go over well with the Taser company in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Skateboarding on a sidewalk, being disrespectful, refusing to sign a speeding ticket; these are the reasons some cops use Tasers on people.

Is Texas Harboring Torture Decider?

It is essential that those responsible for torture be held to account. This is not about “policy differences.” It is about crimes.

(DALLAS, Tx.) - Seldom does a crime scene have so clear a smoking gun. A two-page presidential memorandum of Feb. 7, 2002, leaves no room for uncertainty regarding the “decider” on torture. His broad-stroke signature made torture official policy.

This should come as no surprise. You see, the Feb. 7, 2002, memorandum has been posted on the Web since June 22, 2004, when then-White House Counsel Alberto Gonzales mistakenly released it, along with other White House memoranda.

UN Rights Experts Press Myanmar to Provide Fair Trial for Aung San Suu Kyi

The trial has mostly been conducted behind closed doors and the media have been denied access to defence lawyers. “Transparency in the administration of justice is a pre-requisite of any State governed by the rule of law,” stressed the UN's Leandro Despouy.

(GENEVA) - A group of independent United Nations human rights experts today called on the authorities of Myanmar to ensure an “open and fair” trial for opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi and her two aides.

“So far, the trial of Aung San Suu Kyi and her aides has been marred by flagrant violations of substantive and procedural rights,” said Leandro Despouy, the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers.

Reverend Benny & Mister Sid`s At Your Service #44

Here's the latest edition in Salem's original cartoon series, found only on Salem-News.com.

(Salem) - If I write something about what a crime torture is, I get all sorts of people who can tell me why they believe torture is a reasonable thing.

If I write words about how Ron Paul is a great archeologist and the discoverer of the lost city of Atlantis at the bottom of Lake Michigan (soon to be revealed in its full splendor as global warming turns the once great lake into a mud flat), I hear the cry of "Foul!"

UAE: Prosecute Torture by Royal Family Member (VIDEO)

Human Rights Watch says independent body should investigate abuse of Afghan grain dealer, police role and flawed Ministry Review.

(NEW YORK) - The United Arab Emirates should investigate and prosecute the torture of an Afghan grain dealer by a royal family member, Shaikh Issa bin Zayed al Nahyan, and the police, Human Rights Watch said today.

Videotaped evidence appears to show Shaikh al Nahyan and the police beating, using electric cattle prods on, and driving over the Afghan man.

Bush Administration Officials Could be Charged for Formulating Torture Program

Obama says memos that were released reflect the U.S. having lost moral bearings. Hoping to not prejudge the matter, he will defer to the Attorney General.

(SALEM, Ore.) - While many Americans may be reluctant to believe it, there does appear to be a real possibility that members of the Bush Administration could face charges for creating the programs used to torture people in U.S. custody.

The word came during a press conference today, that followed President Barack Obama's meeting with King Abdullah of Jordan.