Center for Victims of Torture
@cvt.org
Center for Victims of Torture (CVT): Healing the wounds of torture globally, strengthening healers & human rights defenders, advocating to end #torture. www.cvt.org
Reposted by Center for Victims of Torture
❓ Why do we need to end the trade in tools of torture?
📣 Read & see what steps civil society is calling on states to take.
🔗: reachingcriticalwill.org/images/docum...
📣 Read & see what steps civil society is calling on states to take.
🔗: reachingcriticalwill.org/images/docum...
September 17, 2026 at 3:48 PM
❓ Why do we need to end the trade in tools of torture?
📣 Read & see what steps civil society is calling on states to take.
🔗: reachingcriticalwill.org/images/docum...
📣 Read & see what steps civil society is calling on states to take.
🔗: reachingcriticalwill.org/images/docum...
Why might massage be an ideal time to learn how to listen to your body? Check out these reflections from the CVT team behind our trauma-informed, culturally responsive massage therapy (TCI-Massage).
Read more: www.cvt.org/what-we-do/a...
Read more: www.cvt.org/what-we-do/a...
September 17, 2026 at 11:52 AM
Why might massage be an ideal time to learn how to listen to your body? Check out these reflections from the CVT team behind our trauma-informed, culturally responsive massage therapy (TCI-Massage).
Read more: www.cvt.org/what-we-do/a...
Read more: www.cvt.org/what-we-do/a...
Registration is now open for CVT’s annual Restoring Hope Breakfast! Join us for an inspiring morning to hear stories of resilience and support healing care for survivors of torture and conflict-related trauma.
10/22, 8 am CDT, Minneapolis Convention Center
Register: give.cvt.org/event/2026-r...
10/22, 8 am CDT, Minneapolis Convention Center
Register: give.cvt.org/event/2026-r...
September 16, 2026 at 3:10 PM
Registration is now open for CVT’s annual Restoring Hope Breakfast! Join us for an inspiring morning to hear stories of resilience and support healing care for survivors of torture and conflict-related trauma.
10/22, 8 am CDT, Minneapolis Convention Center
Register: give.cvt.org/event/2026-r...
10/22, 8 am CDT, Minneapolis Convention Center
Register: give.cvt.org/event/2026-r...
“There is no legal authority for migrants to be detained at Guantánamo, especially in Camp 6,” said CVT’s Yumna Rizvi to Mohamud Farah in @sahanjournal.bsky.social Read the article:
sahanjournal.com/immigration/...
sahanjournal.com/immigration/...
Somali ICE detainees held at Guantanamo Bay for weeks
Three Somali men, including two Minnesota men, describe weekslong detention, aggressive shackling, and constant surveillance at Guantanamo Bay.
sahanjournal.com
September 15, 2026 at 10:31 PM
“There is no legal authority for migrants to be detained at Guantánamo, especially in Camp 6,” said CVT’s Yumna Rizvi to Mohamud Farah in @sahanjournal.bsky.social Read the article:
sahanjournal.com/immigration/...
sahanjournal.com/immigration/...
The Constitution of the United States explicitly prohibits cruel punishment. 8th Amendment says: “Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.” This went into effect in 1791, not long after the U.S. became an independent country.
September 15, 2026 at 11:38 AM
The Constitution of the United States explicitly prohibits cruel punishment. 8th Amendment says: “Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.” This went into effect in 1791, not long after the U.S. became an independent country.
Reposted by Center for Victims of Torture
If national security is everything, then national security is nothing at all, apart from a tool to revive a zombie army of post-9/11 legal mechanisms against all sorts of domestic dissidents.
The religion of national security
After 9/11, national security meant everything. Today, it means nothing at all.
www.motherjones.com
September 11, 2026 at 5:43 PM
If national security is everything, then national security is nothing at all, apart from a tool to revive a zombie army of post-9/11 legal mechanisms against all sorts of domestic dissidents.
Reposted by Center for Victims of Torture
We should never forget the horror of 9/11. But it also triggered US detention and “rendition” programs that used torture. A moral and legal reckoning is long overdue.
www.commondreams.org/opinion/9-11...
www.commondreams.org/opinion/9-11...
25 Years Ago, 9/11 Triggered a US Crusade of Torture | Common Dreams
The lack of accountability set a template. And the impunity of those who orchestrated and carried out these crimes is one of the darkest legacies of the so-called "war on terror" that will forever hau...
www.commondreams.org
September 11, 2026 at 2:13 PM
We should never forget the horror of 9/11. But it also triggered US detention and “rendition” programs that used torture. A moral and legal reckoning is long overdue.
www.commondreams.org/opinion/9-11...
www.commondreams.org/opinion/9-11...
“The system has expanded to new uses, new targets, new opportunities to vilify, to punish, to create division,” said CVT's Yumna Rizvi to @hurwitz.bsky.social at @motherjones.com on how natl security strategies took on new meanings and new uses after 9/11.
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
The religion of national security
After 9/11 national security meant everything. Today it means nothing at all.
www.motherjones.com
September 11, 2026 at 1:40 PM
“The system has expanded to new uses, new targets, new opportunities to vilify, to punish, to create division,” said CVT's Yumna Rizvi to @hurwitz.bsky.social at @motherjones.com on how natl security strategies took on new meanings and new uses after 9/11.
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
Guantánamo’s Camp 6 is no place to hold asylum seekers. “This administration wants to conflate this threat of immigration with terrorism, so wants to create this idea that the individuals at Camp 6 are so terrible and so horrific,” comments CVT’s Yumna Rizvi.
www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
St. Paul man arrested in ICE surge sent to Guantanamo Bay
Adam Abdullah has no criminal record, but the government is holding him at a military prison set up for terrorism suspects after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.
www.mprnews.org
September 11, 2026 at 11:30 AM
Guantánamo’s Camp 6 is no place to hold asylum seekers. “This administration wants to conflate this threat of immigration with terrorism, so wants to create this idea that the individuals at Camp 6 are so terrible and so horrific,” comments CVT’s Yumna Rizvi.
www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
On World Suicide Prevention Day, a reminder that we can all do our part to support people during difficulties. The way we speak about suicide is important: suicide can result from underlying mental health problems. Let’s work together to encourage each other and help people move forward.
September 10, 2026 at 11:38 AM
On World Suicide Prevention Day, a reminder that we can all do our part to support people during difficulties. The way we speak about suicide is important: suicide can result from underlying mental health problems. Let’s work together to encourage each other and help people move forward.
Guantánamo’s Camp 6 is no place to hold asylum seekers. “This administration wants to conflate this threat of immigration with terrorism, so wants to create this idea that the individuals at Camp 6 are so terrible and so horrific,” comments CVT’s Yumna Rizvi.
September 9, 2026 at 12:18 PM
Guantánamo’s Camp 6 is no place to hold asylum seekers. “This administration wants to conflate this threat of immigration with terrorism, so wants to create this idea that the individuals at Camp 6 are so terrible and so horrific,” comments CVT’s Yumna Rizvi.
There are NO circumstances when torture is allowed. U.S. and international law apply universally, regardless of wartime status, concerns for national security or states of emergency. Importantly, these international prohibitions cover torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment.
September 8, 2026 at 11:28 AM
There are NO circumstances when torture is allowed. U.S. and international law apply universally, regardless of wartime status, concerns for national security or states of emergency. Importantly, these international prohibitions cover torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment.
Reposted by Center for Victims of Torture
Like Representatives Ramirez, Stansbury, Goldman, & tens of others, we don’t think ICE should be buying torture equipment.
‼️ Electric shock gloves are torture equipment.
❌ They should never be used by law enforcement.
Their letter to Secretary Mullin: ramirez.house.gov/sites/evo-su...
‼️ Electric shock gloves are torture equipment.
❌ They should never be used by law enforcement.
Their letter to Secretary Mullin: ramirez.house.gov/sites/evo-su...
September 8, 2026 at 11:13 AM
Like Representatives Ramirez, Stansbury, Goldman, & tens of others, we don’t think ICE should be buying torture equipment.
‼️ Electric shock gloves are torture equipment.
❌ They should never be used by law enforcement.
Their letter to Secretary Mullin: ramirez.house.gov/sites/evo-su...
‼️ Electric shock gloves are torture equipment.
❌ They should never be used by law enforcement.
Their letter to Secretary Mullin: ramirez.house.gov/sites/evo-su...
Reposted by Center for Victims of Torture
Breaking: A week after the 9/11 trial judge's big decision that threw out a post-torture confession from KSM, the man of accused of being mastermind of the plot... the prosecution team decides they can go ahead without it, won't appeal.
www.nytimes.com/2026/09/04/u...
www.nytimes.com/2026/09/04/u...
Prosecutors Won’t Try to Reinstate Key 9/11 Confession Taken After Torture
The military’s lawyers said they feared an appeal could delay the trial of the man accused of masterminding the attacks, which is scheduled to start in mid-2028.
www.nytimes.com
September 4, 2026 at 9:02 PM
Breaking: A week after the 9/11 trial judge's big decision that threw out a post-torture confession from KSM, the man of accused of being mastermind of the plot... the prosecution team decides they can go ahead without it, won't appeal.
www.nytimes.com/2026/09/04/u...
www.nytimes.com/2026/09/04/u...
Hello DC: We’re partnering with Muslim Counterpublics Lab to examine lessons at the 25th anniversary of the War on Terror, George Wash Univ, 9/17-18. Great speakers include journalists, lawyers, organizers, scholars, directly impacted community members & so much more.
Register: waronterror25.org
Register: waronterror25.org
September 4, 2026 at 12:02 PM
Hello DC: We’re partnering with Muslim Counterpublics Lab to examine lessons at the 25th anniversary of the War on Terror, George Wash Univ, 9/17-18. Great speakers include journalists, lawyers, organizers, scholars, directly impacted community members & so much more.
Register: waronterror25.org
Register: waronterror25.org
Trauma can affect how people think & feel. It can also affect sleep, pain, muscle tension & the body's response to stress. CVT’s trauma-informed, culturally-responsive massage therapy was developed to help address the physical side of recovery alongside psychosocial care. www.cvt.org/what-we-do/a...
September 3, 2026 at 12:01 PM
Trauma can affect how people think & feel. It can also affect sleep, pain, muscle tension & the body's response to stress. CVT’s trauma-informed, culturally-responsive massage therapy was developed to help address the physical side of recovery alongside psychosocial care. www.cvt.org/what-we-do/a...
Reposted by Center for Victims of Torture
Last week, DHS finalized its $16.7 million purchase of 6,650 pairs of electric shock gloves.
Almost as quickly as the contract was finalized, pushback reached the legislative branch in a classic Congressional form: a whole bunch of open letters.
Almost as quickly as the contract was finalized, pushback reached the legislative branch in a classic Congressional form: a whole bunch of open letters.
Lawmakers Push DHS to Cancel Its Shock Gloves Contract
"This administration continues to outfit ICE and CBP with the tools of an occupying paramilitary force."
www.motherjones.com
September 1, 2026 at 9:18 PM
Last week, DHS finalized its $16.7 million purchase of 6,650 pairs of electric shock gloves.
Almost as quickly as the contract was finalized, pushback reached the legislative branch in a classic Congressional form: a whole bunch of open letters.
Almost as quickly as the contract was finalized, pushback reached the legislative branch in a classic Congressional form: a whole bunch of open letters.
Reposted by Center for Victims of Torture
DHS can’t be trusted with electric shock gloves and the power to inflict "sudden" death.
Today, I led 49 colleagues in demanding Secretary Markwayne Mullin immediately cancel DHS’s $16.7 million contract to equip ICE agents with electric shock gloves.
Today, I led 49 colleagues in demanding Secretary Markwayne Mullin immediately cancel DHS’s $16.7 million contract to equip ICE agents with electric shock gloves.
August 31, 2026 at 7:50 PM
DHS can’t be trusted with electric shock gloves and the power to inflict "sudden" death.
Today, I led 49 colleagues in demanding Secretary Markwayne Mullin immediately cancel DHS’s $16.7 million contract to equip ICE agents with electric shock gloves.
Today, I led 49 colleagues in demanding Secretary Markwayne Mullin immediately cancel DHS’s $16.7 million contract to equip ICE agents with electric shock gloves.
DO NOT GIVE ELECTRIC SHOCK GLOVES TO ICE.
Tell DHS Sec Mullin to cancel the multi-million dollar contract for shock gloves - “inherently abusive equipment that facilitates torture.” Shock gloves must not be given to ICE agents. Call today: www.cvt.org/stop-shock-g...
Tell DHS Sec Mullin to cancel the multi-million dollar contract for shock gloves - “inherently abusive equipment that facilitates torture.” Shock gloves must not be given to ICE agents. Call today: www.cvt.org/stop-shock-g...
August 31, 2026 at 7:38 PM
DO NOT GIVE ELECTRIC SHOCK GLOVES TO ICE.
Tell DHS Sec Mullin to cancel the multi-million dollar contract for shock gloves - “inherently abusive equipment that facilitates torture.” Shock gloves must not be given to ICE agents. Call today: www.cvt.org/stop-shock-g...
Tell DHS Sec Mullin to cancel the multi-million dollar contract for shock gloves - “inherently abusive equipment that facilitates torture.” Shock gloves must not be given to ICE agents. Call today: www.cvt.org/stop-shock-g...
NEW from @embits.bsky.social at @newyorker.com: CVT’s Ally Beckman said clients taken by ICE told stories like “what happened to them in their country—a group of masked men throwing you in a car, taking you somewhere, holding you, not telling you what’s happening.”
www.newyorker.com/magazine/202...
www.newyorker.com/magazine/202...
What Happened in Minneapolis
Living through Operation Metro Surge, and what came after.
www.newyorker.com
August 31, 2026 at 12:44 PM
NEW from @embits.bsky.social at @newyorker.com: CVT’s Ally Beckman said clients taken by ICE told stories like “what happened to them in their country—a group of masked men throwing you in a car, taking you somewhere, holding you, not telling you what’s happening.”
www.newyorker.com/magazine/202...
www.newyorker.com/magazine/202...
Naima lived in Iraq during the war when her husband was killed. But then her 17 year-old daughter was taken by militia, leaving her with loss she struggled to comprehend. Enforced disappearance is used to punish and control communities. CVT stands with all victims of enforced disappearance.
August 30, 2026 at 1:28 PM
Naima lived in Iraq during the war when her husband was killed. But then her 17 year-old daughter was taken by militia, leaving her with loss she struggled to comprehend. Enforced disappearance is used to punish and control communities. CVT stands with all victims of enforced disappearance.
Reposted by Center for Victims of Torture
Breaking: In a huge decision in the 9/11 case, the military judge has suppressed the so-called "clean team" confession of the lead defendant known as KSM. This comes days after the same judge set a June 2028 trial date, which could now be in doubt if the prosecution decides to appeal that ruling.
Judge Excludes Key Confession in Sept. 11 Case (Gift Article)
Prosecutors argued the statements by the defendant, Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, were crucial evidence for the eventual death-penalty trial.
www.nytimes.com
August 28, 2026 at 4:39 PM
Breaking: In a huge decision in the 9/11 case, the military judge has suppressed the so-called "clean team" confession of the lead defendant known as KSM. This comes days after the same judge set a June 2028 trial date, which could now be in doubt if the prosecution decides to appeal that ruling.
NEW: “Because his testimony was derived under torture, it is not admissible,” said CVT's Yumna Rizvi. “...this is why torture is illegal under U.S. and international law and must not be used. Not ever, by any regime, any agency, any government.”
Statement: www.cvt.org/statements/c...
Statement: www.cvt.org/statements/c...
August 28, 2026 at 7:46 PM
NEW: “Because his testimony was derived under torture, it is not admissible,” said CVT's Yumna Rizvi. “...this is why torture is illegal under U.S. and international law and must not be used. Not ever, by any regime, any agency, any government.”
Statement: www.cvt.org/statements/c...
Statement: www.cvt.org/statements/c...
The contract went through: DHS will spend $16.7 million to supply direct-contact shock gloves to ICE agents. Read background on this inherently abusive equipment 🔽
The Orwellian company behind ICE’s new electric shock gloves www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
The Orwellian Company Behind ICE’s New Electric Shock Gloves
“With a glove, there are no burn marks or scars.” That makes it hard for victims to sue.
www.motherjones.com
August 28, 2026 at 1:41 PM
The contract went through: DHS will spend $16.7 million to supply direct-contact shock gloves to ICE agents. Read background on this inherently abusive equipment 🔽
ICE agents have repeatedly shown they will use abusive tactics against anyone. The range of cruelty that could result from direct-contact shock gloves by ICE is horrifying. As immigration enforcement continues its rampage in the US, abusive equipment like these gloves must never be given to ICE.
August 28, 2026 at 1:09 PM
ICE agents have repeatedly shown they will use abusive tactics against anyone. The range of cruelty that could result from direct-contact shock gloves by ICE is horrifying. As immigration enforcement continues its rampage in the US, abusive equipment like these gloves must never be given to ICE.