AI's survey strongly suggests that common criminals and criminal suspects are the most frequent victims of torture by state agents today. They have reportedly been subjected to torture or ill-treatment in over 130 countries since 1997. The campaign also looks at other forms of violence in the home or the community which may constitute torture under international standards, even though they are not committed by state officials. The survey showed that beating is by far the most common method of torture and ill-treatment by state agents today, reported in over 150 countries. People are beaten with fists, sticks, gun-butts, makeshift whips, iron pipes, baseball bats, electric flex.
Victims suffer bruises, internal bleeding, broken bones, lost teeth, ruptured organs and some die.
Rape and sexual abuse of prisoners is also widespread. Other methods include submersion in water, stubbing of cigarettes on the body, being tied to the back of a car and being dragged behind it, sleep deprivation and sensory deprivation. Cruel, inhuman or degrading instruments of restraint cited in AI's report include leg irons and electro-shock stun belts. The prohibition of torture in international law is absolute. No government may use a state of war, a threat of war, internal political instability or any other public emergency to justify torture.