Torture Behind Bars: Examining the Intersection of State Power and Human Rights

Abstract

The issue of torture behind bars has long been a significant human rights concern, highlighting the intersection between state power and the protection of individual freedoms. This paper examines the practices of torture within prison systems, with a focus on how state authorities, in their pursuit of control and discipline, often disregard fundamental human rights. Through a critical analysis of both historical and contemporary case studies, this study aims to shed light on the methods and justifications of state-sanctioned torture, revealing the systemic failures of oversight and accountability. The paper further explores the legal frameworks that exist to prevent torture and the often inadequate enforcement of these laws, questioning the role of the state in protecting its citizens' rights while maintaining order. By analyzing the global prevalence of torture, this work underscores the challenges in balancing state power with the enforcement of human rights standards, advocating for comprehensive reforms to address these systemic violations.