Forensic Science International 76 (1995) 151-158 Prevalence and methods of torture claimed in the Basque Country (Spain) during 1992- 1993 Benito Morentin”, M. Itxaso Idoyagab, Luis F. Calladob,‘, J. Javier Meana*’ “Clinit~a Medico-Forense, Tribunal Superior de Jusricia de1 Pais Vasco, C/ Buenos Aires, 4-6, Biibao-48001, Spain bTorturaren Aurkako Taldea, Cl Iturribide, 26, I ler dept., Bilbao-48006, Spain CDpro. de Farmacologia, Universidad de1 Pais VascolEuskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, Leioa-48940, Spain Received 2 March 1995; revision received 30 June 1995; accepted 30 June 1995 Abstract The use of torture against selected groups of detainees in Spain has been repeatly denounced. The testimonies of 87 citizens arrested under the ‘anti-terrorist legislation’ in the Basque Country (Spain) during 1992-1993 were collected by using the Rehabilitation and Research Centre for Torture Victims (RCT/IRCT) protocol. All the detainees were kept in solitary confinement with a mean period of 4 (SD. = 1.1) days. Torture methods were usually a combination of physical, deprivation and coercion techniques with a high presence of sexual and communication techniques. The group arrested by the military cot-p ‘Guardia Civil’ showed a higher prevalence of different methods of physical torture, hearing torture from others and reduction of visual input as compared with those in the group arrested by the force ‘Policia National’. The results show also a preference of sexual torture on women with a high prevalence of methods such as forced undressing, verbal humiliations and touching. The study could help international experts to develop a fact-finding mission on human rights in the region. Keywords: Torture; Solitary confinement; Arrest; Spain * Corresponding author, Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidad del PaisVasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, E-48940 Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain; Fax: + 34 4 464 8152. 0379-0738/95/$09.50 0 1995 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved SSDlO379-0738(95)01809-W