China firms exporting 'tools of torture'

More than 130 companies are involved in producing or trading the
equipment, typically marketed to law enforcement agencies, up from about
28 companies a decade ago, Amnesty said in a report released on
Tuesday.


The equipment encourages human rights abuses by law
enforcement authorities in African and Southeast Asian nations, the
group said.


"While some of the exports are no doubt used in legitimate law
enforcement operations, China has also exported equipment that has
inhumane effects, or poses a substantial risk of fuelling human rights
violations by foreign law enforcement agencies," it said.


One company, China Xining Import/Export Corporation, which advertises
thumb cuffs, restraint chairs and electric stun guns, said in 2012 it
had ties to more than 40 African countries, according to Amnesty. The
firm could not be reached for comment.



China firms exporting 'tools of torture' - Asia-Pacific - Al Jazeera English