As far as torture is concerned, CarolC, it would be hard to deny now that Westminster turns out to be guilty, at least by association.

The particular incident you've drawn attention to in the video is a different matter. This is further proof, were it needed, that people put in power over others will sometimes abuse that power to the point of depravity. The tendency is so pronounced and seems to be so widespread as to be part of the human condition.

What is sickening about the Binyam Mohamed case is what it tells us not about the behaviour of thug squaddies on the front line in the heat of the night, but about the behaviour of democratically accountable governments in the cold light of day, with time and distance to reflect.