Abu Ghraib in Media

 At the same time, it is obvious that the problem described in the film is not unique and it can be attributed not only to the Abu Ghraib, but also to other prisons and, therefore, this problem is a substantial problem of the prison system as well as justice system at large. In this respect, it is possible to refer to the concept of discipline as the major moving force which provoked the violence and tortures in the Abu Ghraib prison and which engenders the violent behavior of the guard in relation to prisoners, but it important to understand the fact that the violence and tortures cannot be associated with discipline, because discipline is grounded on the order but not violence.

In fact, the documentary film “Standard Operating Procedure” draws a number of examples of tortures and misuse of power by American guard in relation to prisoners, which were captured and imprisoned without a sufficient legal ground. Moreover, many specialists argue that the functioning of the Abu Ghraib prison was based on the systematic violation of human rights and, what is more important, prisoners in Abu Ghrain were detained and imprisoned illegally. Many of prisoners spend long terms being imprisoned without being accused of any crime, while their guilt was absolutely uncertain. In such a context, it seems to be quite natural that the guard of the prison used tortures and violence since a priori the prisoners in Abu Ghraib were held there without any legal reason. Consequently, the guard felt that prisoners are subjects to the unjust attitude and mistreatment because they were absolutely deprived of any rights.

What is more important is the fact that Americans felt that they would not be punished for their crimes because the prisoners were imprisoned illegally that eliminated the boundary between legal and illegal actions. As a result, Americans believed that they could do everything they want without being punished for their most violent actions. At the same time, tortures and violence allowed Americans to keep prisoners obedient. In addition, it was much easier to get information Americans needed from prisoners by means of tortures, threats and violence than in a traditional, legal way. In such a way, Americans used violence and tortures to get information fast and with minimal efforts, regardless of legal procedures.

At the same time, the sense of being unpunished for illegal actions strengthened the inclination of Americans to tortures and violence. In this respect, the war experience was not the only reason that strengthened the inclination of Americans to violence. In fact, tortures and violence became a form of entertainment, a norm of the life in the prison. Hence, Americans got accustomed to violence and tortures as a part of routine life of the prison.