If someone used a stun gun on YOU while imprisoned is it torture or abuse?

[NNN0LHI]

Powell reaches out to Europe over Iraq amid new abuse scandal

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle.asp?xfile=data/focusoniraq/2004/December/focusoniraq_December74.xml§ion=focusoniraq

BAGHDAD - US Secretary of State Colin Powell pressed Europe to overcome its differences on the 2003 US-led invasion and rebuild Iraq, as the Pentagon revealed that elite US troops abused Iraqi prisoners with stun guns. snip

In Washington, the Pentagon revealed that four US special forces soldiers have been punished for unauthorised use of Taser electric stun guns on prisoners, after further allegations of US prisoner abuse were investigated.

Original revelations of humiliation and degradation meted out to Iraqi prisoners in US custody, which surfaced earlier this year, caused outrage across the world, not least among European opponents of the invasion.

The latest probe was conducted after Defense Intelligence Agency interrogators reported seeing prisoners with burns and bruises being brought to a temporary detention centre by members of a top secret special Task Force. snip

“Four individuals received administrative punishments for excessive use of force -- it in particular was emphasized it was the unauthorized use of Tasers,” said Pentagon spokesman Lawrence DiRita.

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[China_cat]

1. Both

[donheld]

2. who's to say in an illegal war?

Any form of punishment used on a prisoner taken in an illegal war is just wrong no matter what you call it. The Prisoner was probably taken while defending his home/family from our illegal action. The whole thing is just plain insane.

[oscar111]

3. TORMENT is good term, for pain that is not quite torture

Torment should also be banned.

Abuse sounds too mild . And vague.