Death threats

Nature

Death threats are common for individuals with a high public profile and for members of well known institutions. They are intended to intimidate an individual or institution to demand ransom payments or change behaviour. In some cases they are intended to disrupt normal operations such as air flights. A number of death threats are received at examination time in American secondary schools. A third reason for death threats is publicity.

The use of death threats by government institutions and government sponsored groups as a form of torture designed to break down the will of the prisoner by demonstrating the utter helplessness of the person being tortured and the ultimate power of the torturers. Death threats are frequently accompanied by mock executions of the prisoner, threats of mutilation such as castration and amputation and threats of sexual abuse. Death threats are also indirect, such as, being forced to watch executions and being held with other prisoners to be executed.

Incidence

The use of death threats as a means of torture has been reported in the following countries:

[Africa]

Egypt, Kenya, Libyan AJ, Rwanda, Somalia, Zambia, Zimbabwe

[America]

Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Suriname

[Asia]

Bangladesh, Indonesia, Israel, Korea Rep, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan (Rep of China)

[Europe]

Italy, Romania, Yugoslavia

Claim

Death threats are a grave violation of personal safety and freedom of expression, undermining the very foundations of a democratic society. They instill fear, silence voices, and create a culture of intimidation that stifles open dialogue. This alarming issue affects individuals across various sectors, from activists to public figures, and must be addressed with urgency. Society must unite to condemn such threats, ensuring that everyone can express their views without the looming shadow of violence.

Counter-claim

While death threats are often sensationalized, they are not as significant a problem as portrayed. Many are empty threats, lacking genuine intent or follow-through. Society tends to overreact, diverting attention from more pressing issues like poverty, education, and healthcare. Focusing on exaggerated fears distracts from real solutions and fosters unnecessary anxiety. Instead of amplifying fear, we should prioritize constructive dialogue and address the root causes of conflict, rather than fixating on threats that rarely materialize.