Dear Log,
«Al-Iraqiya turns the tables, showing alleged rebels unmasked, twitchy and humiliated as they detail grisly murders and, to widespread astonishment, tales of drunkeness, gay orgies and pornography.They took up arms not to fight the occupation, or for Islam, but because they were common criminals who wanted money. Executing someone earned $100, says one man. He practised decapitating chickens and sheep before moving on to policemen and soldiers.
Critics say the programme violates the Geneva convention and question the veracity of what are clearly intimidated prisoners. Sometimes the inquisitor confesses on their behalf and they merely nod, eager to agree.
The interior ministry says the show was an emergency measure and hints that it will soon be reviewed. Meanwhile, the security forces are delighted, crediting the change in public mood with a flow of intelligence tips.
[...]Human rights activists worry that the programme marks a return to Saddam-style public humiliations and coerced confessions, which undermine subsequent trials. Others complain that a complex insurgency which includes Islamic radicals, former regime loyalists and Arab Sunni nationalists is being depicted as nothing more than a coalition of thieving scumbags, a caricature which could deepen religious tensions.»
--"Trial by television": In Iraq, captured rebels are shown confessing live on air.
