ABSTRACT
Chapter five explores the politics and contestation surrounding the definition of torture. The first half of this chapter examines the failed attempt by Israel to redefine torture to better reflect its interests and makes the argument that states cannot define torture however they like. The second half of this chapter argues that even though the taboo continues to be violated around the world, the taboo continues to remain robust. Focusing on Egypt’s use of torture, I show how Egypt hid and denied using torture, signifying the strength of the taboo’s legitimacy.
