State (Political) Torture: Some General, Psychological, and Particular Aspects

Abstract

This article reviews some general and particular aspects of state political torture as it is practiced in several Latin American countries in an attempt to secure domination and prevent change. The purposes, methods and effects of such torture are discussed. The article also elaborates on some of the elements that participate in the making of the torturer, the contradictions that he faces, and the psychological mechanisms that assist him in his attempt to resolve such contradictions. Emphasis is given to the question of who is the real torturer.