Watch Torturing Democracy

Torturing Democracy is a documentary film that explores the use of torture by the United States government in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. The film examines the methods used by the government to extract information from detainees in secret, overseas prisons known as black sites. The film begins by providing background on the events leading up to the use of torture, including the Bush administration's decision to authorize the use of enhanced interrogation techniques. It then delves into the specifics of these techniques, which included painful stress positions, waterboarding, and sensory deprivation. The film makes it clear that these techniques were not only morally reprehensible but also ineffective, as the information gained from detainees was often unreliable.

Throughout the documentary, interviews with former government officials, intelligence experts, and individuals who were directly involved in the use of torture are presented. These interviews provide a glimpse into the decision-making process that led to the authorization of these techniques and the justifications used to defend them.

The film also explores the legal battles that arose in the wake of the use of torture. The US government argued that these techniques were necessary to prevent future terrorist attacks, but critics claimed that they violated both international and US law. The film shows how these legal challenges eventually led to the release of the Senate Intelligence Committee's report on the CIA's use of torture.

The overarching theme of the film is the erosion of democratic values that occurred as a result of the use of torture. The film argues that by using these techniques, the government abandoned the principles of due process and the rule of law. It also explores the ways in which the government used secrecy and misinformation to prevent the American people from understanding the full extent of the torture program.

Overall, Torturing Democracy is a powerful and thought-provoking film that raises important questions about the use of torture in the fight against terrorism. It serves as a reminder of the importance of holding government officials accountable for their actions and the need to protect fundamental human rights, even in times of crisis.