Tainted by Torture: Examining the Use of Torture Evidence

On 15th May, Fair Trials and REDRESS are holding a panel event to launch their new report ‘Tainted by Torture’, which examines the legal regimes in place to exclude evidence obtained by torture, and reveals how some of these regimes are failing to operate in reality.

International law prohibits the use of ‘torture evidence’ because statements obtained through torture violate the right to a fair trial, undermine the rights of victims of torture and indirectly legitimise torture, a practice that is illegal and globally prohibited.

Despite this, state authorities in many countries continue to rely routinely on evidence obtained through torture in criminal cases and torture is used by police and others as a short-cut in criminal investigations. Torture is used as a means of exerting control over detainees, to gather ‘intelligence’, to solicit leads and to obtain confessions.

This event will feature global experts on the prevention of torture in criminal justice systems, as well as international human rights lawyers who have first-hand experience of challenging the use of torture evidence.

To sign up to this free event, please click here

This event is generously hosted by Allen & Overy LLP, and will be followed by a drinks reception.

Date: 15th May 2018

Time: 17:30 – 20:00 BST

Location: 

Allen & Overy LLP

Bishops Square

London

E1 6AD

Photo credit: Nyani Quarmyne/PANOS