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Stopping the torture trade
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experience which reduces the person placed in irons to
the level of a hobbled animal whose mobility is limited so
that it cannot stray. It is furthermore still a strong
reminder of days gone by when people were carted away
in bondage and sold like chattels. To be continuously in
chains or leg irons and not to be able to properly clean
oneself and the clothes one is wearing sets one apart
from other fellow human beings and is in itself a humiliating
and undignified experience...
“I am therefore of the opinion that the placing of a
prisoner in leg irons or chains is an impermissible invasion
of article 8(1) and contrary to article 8(2)(b) of the
constitution as it at least constitutes degrading treatment.”
However, the use of shackles and leg irons continues to be
reported in many countries. During the last decade, AI has
received a number of reports detailing the use of shackles in
Yemen. One victim described how after his arrest in November
1997 for his political activities, he was handcuffed and taken to a
military compound. On arrival he was placed in leg shackles and
locked inside a steel freight container. He was held for nearly a
month during which time his handcuffs were sometimes
removed. However, the leg shackles were never removed; he
still bears the scars. 8
In Pakistan children have reportedly been kept in shackles
for long periods of time. In 1995 AI reported that a religious
school in Piplan, Punjab province, held children aged between
four and 16 in chains and leg fetters. The chain linked both
ankles at a maximum distance of 25cm. The end of the chain was
fastened to a heavy log of wood and none of the children could
move without the others joining to lift the log. Several children
were reported to have been held in these conditions
continuously for up to 10 years to prevent them running away
and being exposed to “corrupting influences”. 9 The shackling
and chaining of prisoners in Pakistan remain widespread.
In Thailand the shackling of prisoners is also reportedly
commonplace. In some of Thailand’s prisons, inmates accused of
murder, attempted murder or serious drugs offences are
reportedly continuously kept in shackles weighing between
seven and 10 kilograms. In 1997 conditions in Building 10 in