Punitive amputations

Punishment of criminals by mutilation

Nature

Amputation is a form of judicial punishment in a number of countries marking victims as criminals for the rest of their lives. Victims of accidents with similar wounds are automatically and usually unconsciously assumed to be criminals also.

Incidence

This has been a traditional practice in many countries. It continues to be used unofficially during the course of torture. Islamic law prescribes certain punishments involving mutilation of the body, especially cutting off limbs (right-hand for first-time offenders; left foot for second offenders). Punitive amputation has been reported in the following countries: (Africa) Mauritania; (America) Bolivia, El Salvador; (Asia) Iran Islamic Rep, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia.

Claim

Not only is amputation by the state barbaric but it is more so unjust for the victim. In most cases, there is no recourse to appeal and there is no possibility of effectively reversing the sentence.