Recent events highlight the importance of the torture-weapons trade and the role that private companies in some countries, notably the United States and Britain, have in it. Their role was stressed in a recent Amnesty International document, "Stopping the Torture Trade," which calls for a stop to the production and trade of torture weapons.

The report was released at the same time as the U.S. State Department report on human rights around the world, accusations against Chilean Gen. Hernan Gabrielli concerning participation in torture of political prisoners during the Pinochet regime, and an Argentine judge's decision to overturn amnesty laws dictated by the military. These laws protected hundreds of soldiers and military officers who were accused of torture, murder and kidnapping during Argentina's last military rule, from 1976 to 1983, thus potentially opening the way for a wave of trials. If officers who participated in torture are found guilty, this will mark a new human-rights era in Argentina and have international repercussions.

According to AI, U.S. companies, as well as companies from Britain, France, and Russia, sell weapons and other equipment used for torture. Among them are high-tech electroshock weapons, leg irons and serrated thumb cuffs designed to tear flesh if a detainee tries to escape. AI believes that some of these items -- such as the thumb cuffs and electric-shock weapons -- are "inherently cruel" and should be banned outright.