U.S. and International Law
Torture is absolutely prohibited under both U.S. and international law. It is a violation of fundamental human rights, human dignity, and the rule of law.
There are no exceptions—no agency, no circumstance, and no emergency can legally justify the use of torture.
What Constitutes Torture?
Torture is defined as the intentional infliction of severe physical or mental pain or suffering for purposes such as punishment, intimidation, interrogation, or control.
According to Article 1 of the UN Convention Against Torture (UNCAT):
“Torture means any act by which severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental, is intentionally inflicted… by or at the instigation of or with the consent or acquiescence of a public official or other person acting in an official capacity.”
Examples of Torture (Modern Covert Forms)
In the context of gangstalking, directed energy weapons, and psychological manipulation, torture may include:
- Voice to Skull (V2K): transmitting voices, threats, or harassment directly into a person’s mind via microwave or auditory weaponry.
- Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs): using radiofrequency, microwave, or other energy-based weapons to inflict pain, burns, heating, or internal injury without physical contact.
- Sleep deprivation: targeting individuals with remote technology or constant harassment to prevent rest.
- Synthetic telepathy and remote neural monitoring: unauthorized tracking of thoughts, emotions, and mental states through neurotechnological means.
- Psychological manipulation and no-touch torture: gaslighting, dream manipulation, voice mimicry, and tactics to break down perception of reality.
- Sensory control: overwhelming the target’s environment with noise, flickering lights, or invisible frequency-based discomfort.
- Organized stalking (gangstalking): group harassment campaigns that involve surveillance, intimidation, and coordinated interference in a target’s life.
- Targeted emotional abuse: systematic use of verbal triggers, gestures, or behaviors to provoke stress, trauma, or breakdown.
- Technological rape: invasive use of directed energy to stimulate or harm genital areas without contact.
- Forced psychiatric labeling: falsely diagnosing a target as mentally ill to silence, discredit, or institutionalize them.
International Laws Prohibiting Torture
1. United Nations Convention Against Torture (UNCAT)
Adopted in 1984, ratified by the U.S. in 1994. Requires states to criminalize torture and prosecute perpetrators.
“No exceptional circumstances whatsoever… may be invoked as a justification of torture.”
Source: https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/convention-against-torture
2. Geneva Conventions (1949)
Outlaws torture and cruel treatment during war. Applies to both combatants and civilians.
Source: https://ihl-databases.icrc.org/en/ihl-treaties/gc-1949-1
3. International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)
Article 7 bans torture and degrading treatment. Ratified by the U.S. in 1992.
Source: https://treaties.un.org/pages/ViewDetails.aspx?chapter=4&mtdsg_no=IV-4&src=IND
U.S. Laws Prohibiting Torture
1. Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
Prohibits “cruel and unusual punishments.” This has been interpreted to include torture by state or federal actors.
Source: https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-8/
2. Federal Torture Statute (18 U.S. Code §§ 2340–2340A)
Criminalizes torture committed by any U.S. national, anywhere in the world, under color of law.
Source: https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/2340
3. Detainee Treatment Act of 2005
Bans cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment of anyone in U.S. custody—no matter the location or status.
Source: https://www.congress.gov/109/plaws/publ148/PLAW-109publ148.pdf
4. Torture Victim Protection Act of 1991
Allows victims of torture committed abroad to sue perpetrators in U.S. courts.
Source: https://www.justice.gov/humanrights/torture-victim-protection-act-1991
No One Is Above the Law: No Agency or Authority May Torture
Torture is always illegal, even when committed by intelligence agencies, military personnel, or federal law enforcement.
There is no law, regulation, or secret program that overrides these protections.
This includes, but is not limited to:
- Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
- National Security Agency (NSA)
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Department of Defense (DOD)
- United States Space Force (USSF)
- Any federal or private contractor working on behalf of the U.S. government
No Classified Program Overrides These Protections
Any claim that a classified or covert operation is authorized to carry out acts of torture is false under the law.
Even intelligence activities authorized by executive orders, such as Executive Order 12333 (which governs U.S. intelligence operations), are bound by domestic and international laws, including the UN Convention Against Torture.
Authorization from a superior does not exempt individuals from prosecution under anti-torture laws.
The Nuremberg Principles—established after World War II—make it clear:
“Following orders” is not a defense for war crimes or crimes against humanity.
Legal Foundations for Universal Prohibition
- The U.S. Constitution: Torture is unconstitutional under the Eighth Amendment.
- Federal law: Torture is a felony under 18 U.S.C. § 2340.
- International treaties: The U.S. is bound by the UN Convention Against Torture and Geneva Conventions.
- Executive orders: Intelligence operations under EO 12333 must still comply with all U.S. laws and treaties.
- Supreme Court precedent: Hamdan v. Rumsfeld confirmed that even covert programs must comply with anti-torture laws.
Source: https://www.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/05-184.ZS.html - Nuremberg Principle IV: “Following orders” is not a defense for committing crimes against humanity, including torture.
Conclusion
Torture is a grave violation of human rights, whether inflicted openly or covertly, physically or psychologically.
Modern technologies have introduced new forms of abuse, but the law remains clear: no one may torture—ever.
It is the duty of governments, courts, and citizens to uphold this ban and ensure justice for survivors.
Maxis Richards 