To: oceanperch
The Geneva Convention is a set of rules governing the conduct of war. Most famously, the conventions provide details reagrding the treatment of prisoners of war - no forced labour, must feed, cloth & protect etc...
Among these is a paragraph about not publically humiliating a POW (subjecting to public ridicule). This was adopted at a time when prisoners were paraded through the streets and subjected to whims of the masses. Nowadays, this paragraph is interpreted to mean using the POW in a demeaning way for propaganda. There is some debate as to whether a "group" photo of POWs being led into captivity meets this standard (obviously, since that's thats the only photos released, the opposition says it does!!). However, pictures, videos etc.. as released by Iraq and shown on AJ definately fall under this prohibition.
BTW: shooting surrendering soldiers is also against the Geneva Convention as well as using a truce or feigned surrender as a ruse.
To: An.American.Expatriate
One more comment about videotaping EPWs. If they are being led to a safe place away from the fighting (as required by the GC) and there happen to be press there, than there is no violation. However, EPWs who have been secured cannot then have media brought in to interview or photograph them. Those holding EPWs should also ensure that media is kept away from open air enclosures as well, of which the coalition could do a better job.
It is a legalistic distinction but an important one.
1,135 posted on
03/27/2003 5:06:49 AM PST by
Straight Vermonter
(http://www.angelfire.com/ultra/terroristcorecard/index.html)
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