Report reveals list of brutal methods of torture used in IS prisons

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – A look at the Islamic State’s (IS) violent prison system revealed inhumane methods of torture, as well as rape and murder, an extensive report from the International Centre for the Study of Violent Extremism (ICSVE) uncovered.

The ICSVE report includes a series of interviews with 72 people, including former IS prisoners, where they describe the cruel conditions inside the detention centers.

According to the report, IS members used seven torture techniques known as Lashing, the Fuel, Bisat al-Rih (Flying Carpet), Shabeh (Ghost), German Chair, the Biter, and the Tyre.

Moreover, women caught by the militants were often sold or given away to other IS members as sex slaves.

Citizens who live in IS-held territories in both Iraq and Syria were arrested and subjected to severe sentences in the prison centers.

Some offenses included attempts to flee IS-controlled areas, spying, smoking, and violation of dress code.

The ICSVE report added civilians were regularly stopped by militants for ID and phone inspections.

Those detained and thrown into prison were living in constant fear as killings, and the threat of execution, were common, according to a former prisoner interviewed in the report.

“I saw things I had never seen before,” the former prisoner said.

“There was a man on the floor,” the prisoner continued. “He had torture markings and bruises on his face, on his body, everywhere.”

After being tortured, detainees were forced to participate in sharia (Islamic law) courses ahead of possible release, the report explained.

Often, prisoners were drafted into IS ranks as suicide bombers and other services based on their skills.

No matter their fate, the report underlines the purpose of the prison facilities were meant to physically and mentally scar civilians who were detained.

Editing by G.H. Renaud