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Psychologists Consider Barring All Participation in Military Interrogations

Aug 25th, 2008 • Posted in: News

Those supporting the resolution say involvement in interrogation violates “do no harm” premise, while opponents say eliminating psychologists’ involvement would make interrogation more harmful

BOSTON
Psychologists in the United States are debating the appropriate use of their skills and training during interrogations carried out by military and intelligence forces.

UPI reports that members of the American Psychological Association are considering making any involvement in a military interrogation a violation of the organization’s ethics code.

Steven Reisner, who led a protest at the organization’s annual convention in Boston, told the Boston Globe that psychologists’ involvement in interrogations involving prolonged isolation, sleep deprivation, or sensory overload violate the primary obligation of all medical personnel to do no harm.

Opponents of the resolution say it is too vague and that the association’s existing anti-torture regulations are sufficient. They also claim that eliminating the involvement of psychologists could leave those being interrogated open to risk, USA Today reports.

Members will vote by mail on a resolution to ban all involvement in interrogations, with the results due by mid-September, reports the Chronicle of Higher Education.

Sources: USA Today, Aug. 17 — Boston Globe, Aug. 17 — UPI, Aug. 16 — Chronicle of Higher Education, Aug. 16.

For more information, see: Related Newsline story, Nov. 5, 2007 — Related Newsline story, Aug. 15, 2006 — Related Newsline story, July 11, 2005 — Related Newsline story, Jan. 10, 2005 — Related Newsline story, May 24, 2004.

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