Kavisht
- Feb 21, 2023
- 8 min read

Bastinado Torture Method: Foot Whipping Torture Method is Still Practised by Various State Officials

Bastinado, also known as falaka or foot whipping, is a cruel and inhumane torture method that involves beating the soles of a person's feet with a stick or a whip.

What is Bastinado Torture Method

Bastinado, also known as falaka or foot whipping, is a type of torture method that involves the beating or striking of the soles of a person's feet with a stick or a whip. The name "bastinado" is derived from the Spanish word "bastón," which means "cane" or "stick." This method has been used historically in various cultures as a form of punishment, coercion, or interrogation.

During the bastinado torture, the victim is typically restrained, lying on their back with their feet elevated. The torturer then strikes the soles of the feet repeatedly with a stick, cane, or whip. This can cause extreme pain, swelling, bruising, and even permanent damage to the feet. In some cases, the torturer may also pour salt or other substances on the feet to intensify the pain.

The bastinado torture method is widely considered to be cruel, inhumane, and a violation of human rights. It has been condemned by various international organizations, including the United Nations, as a form of torture that should be prohibited under international law.

Origins of the Bastinado Torture Method

The origins of the bastinado torture method are unclear, as it has been used in various cultures throughout history. However, it is believed to have been a common form of punishment in ancient civilizations, including ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. In these societies, it was often used as a disciplinary measure for slaves or prisoners.

The practice was also used in medieval Europe, where it was known as "foot whipping" or "whipping with the boot." It was often used as a punishment for soldiers who committed minor offenses, as well as for criminals and heretics. During the Spanish Inquisition, bastinado was used to extract confessions from people accused of heresy.

In the Middle East, bastinado has been used for centuries as a form of punishment and torture. It was commonly used in the Ottoman Empire to punish slaves and criminals, and it remains a common practice in some countries today.

Despite its widespread use throughout history, the bastinado torture method is now widely considered to be a cruel and inhumane practice that violates human rights. It is prohibited under international law, and countries that still practice it are often criticized by human rights organizations.

Bastinado Torture Method Practiced in the Past

The bastinado torture method has been used in various countries and cultures throughout history. Although it is now considered to be a violation of human rights and prohibited by international law, it may still be practiced in some parts of the world, particularly in countries where human rights abuses are more common. Here are a few examples of places where bastinado torture has been known to occur:

Middle East: Bastinado has been used for centuries in many countries in the Middle East, including Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. It has been used as a form of punishment for various crimes, including adultery, drug use, and political dissent.
North Africa: In some North African countries, such as Algeria and Morocco, bastinado has been used as a punishment for criminal offenses and as a means of extracting confessions from suspects.
Southeast Asia: Bastinado has been used in some Southeast Asian countries, such as Indonesia and Malaysia, as a form of corporal punishment for criminal offenses.
Historical Europe: The bastinado torture method was also used in medieval Europe, particularly during the Spanish Inquisition, where it was used to extract confessions from people accused of heresy.

It is important to note that the use of bastinado as a torture method is illegal and widely condemned by human rights organizations. Any practice of bastinado should be reported to the appropriate authorities to ensure that it is stopped and the individuals responsible for it are held accountable for their actions.

Who Practiced Bastinado Torture Method

Throughout history, the bastinado torture method has been practiced by various individuals and groups, including state officials, law enforcement officers, prison guards, and private individuals. Here are a few examples of who may have practiced bastinado:

State officials: In some countries, state officials, such as judges and police officers, have been known to order or carry out bastinado as a form of punishment or interrogation. In some cases, this has been done as a legal punishment, while in others, it has been done as a form of extrajudicial punishment.
Prison guards: Bastinado has been used as a form of punishment in some prisons, where guards may use it to discipline inmates or extract information from them. This is typically done without the approval or oversight of higher authorities.
Private individuals: In some cases, private individuals may use bastinado as a form of domestic violence or punishment. This is illegal and widely condemned by human rights organizations.
Historical contexts: Bastinado has also been used in historical contexts, such as in ancient civilizations, medieval Europe, and the Ottoman Empire, where it was often used as a form of punishment for slaves, criminals, and political dissidents.

It is important to note that the practice of bastinado as a form of torture is illegal and violates human rights. Any individual or group that practices bastinado should be held accountable for their actions and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

The execution of bastinado torture involves several steps. Here is a general outline of how this method is typically carried out:

Preparation: The victim is often restrained, usually lying on their back with their feet elevated. The torturer may use ropes or other restraints to ensure that the victim cannot move or escape.
The beating: The torturer then strikes the soles of the victim's feet repeatedly with a stick, cane, or whip. The blows are usually focused on the arches of the feet, where there are fewer nerves and blood vessels. However, the torturer may also strike the toes and heels, which can cause more pain and damage.
Intensification: To intensify the pain, the torturer may pour salt or other substances on the victim's feet before or during the beating. This can cause the wounds to become infected and lead to long-term damage.
Duration: The beating may continue for several minutes or even hours, depending on the severity of the punishment and the resistance of the victim. In some cases, the victim may pass out from the pain or go into shock.
Aftermath: After the punishment is over, the victim's feet may be bruised, swollen, and covered in open wounds. In some cases, the victim may suffer permanent damage to their feet, such as nerve damage or deformities.

It is important to note that bastinado is a form of torture that is widely considered to be cruel, inhumane, and a violation of human rights. It is illegal and prohibited under international law, and any practice of bastinado should be reported to the appropriate authorities to ensure that it is stopped and the individuals responsible for it are held accountable for their actions.

Who Received Bastinado: Torture Method

Bastinado has been used as a form of punishment and torture for a variety of reasons and against a range of individuals throughout history. Here are a few examples of who may have received bastinado:

Criminals: In some cultures and legal systems, bastinado has been used as a form of punishment for criminal offenses, including theft, adultery, and drug use.
Political prisoners: Bastinado has been used as a form of torture against political dissidents and prisoners of conscience who have been arrested for speaking out against the government or advocating for human rights.
Slaves: In some historical contexts, bastinado was used as a punishment for slaves who were deemed to be disobedient or rebellious. Slaves were often punished with bastinado to discourage them from rebelling or attempting to escape.
Domestic abuse victims: In some cases, bastinado has been used as a form of domestic violence against women and children. This is illegal and widely condemned by human rights organizations.

It is important to note that the use of bastinado as a form of torture is illegal and violates human rights. Any individual or group that practices bastinado should be held accountable for their actions and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

How Victim was Effected with Bastinado Torture Method

Bastinado is a painful and brutal form of torture that can have serious and long-lasting effects on the victim. Here are some of the ways that the victim can be affected by bastinado:

Physical pain: The repeated beating of the soles of the feet with a stick or whip can cause excruciating pain. The impact can cause deep tissue damage, swelling, and bruising, making it difficult for the victim to walk or stand.
Psychological trauma: The psychological effects of bastinado can be just as devastating as the physical effects. The victim may experience intense fear, anxiety, and trauma, which can have a long-lasting impact on their mental health.
Nerve damage: Bastinado can cause damage to the nerves in the feet, which can result in numbness or tingling sensations. In severe cases, the victim may lose sensation in their feet entirely.
Infections: The wounds caused by bastinado can become infected if they are not properly treated, which can lead to long-term damage and disability.
Long-term effects: Bastinado can cause long-term damage to the feet, including chronic pain, arthritis, and even deformities.

It is important to note that bastinado is a cruel and inhumane form of torture that is illegal under international law. Any individual or group that practices bastinado should be held accountable for their actions and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Victims of bastinado should receive proper medical care and support to help them recover from the physical and psychological effects of this brutal form of torture.

How Victim can Escape from Bastinado Torture Method

Escaping from bastinado torture can be difficult, especially if the victim is restrained and unable to move. However, here are some possible strategies that a victim may attempt to escape or minimize the harm caused by bastinado:

Negotiation: If the victim is being held captive by a group or individual, negotiation may be possible. The victim could try to reason with their captors and ask for mercy, or offer information or cooperation in exchange for their release.
Resistance: If the victim is not restrained, they may attempt to resist the punishment by kicking or moving their feet. While this may result in further harm or punishment, it may also allow the victim to delay the beating or lessen its severity.
Appeal for help: If the victim is being held in a public place, they may attempt to appeal to passersby or nearby authorities for help. This could involve yelling for assistance, making eye contact, or waving their arms to attract attention.
Fainting or feigning illness: If the victim is unable to escape, they may attempt to faint or feign illness to stop the punishment or delay its continuation. This could involve holding their breath, tensing their muscles, or appearing to lose consciousness.

It is important to note that bastinado is a form of torture that is illegal under international law, and any individual or group that practices bastinado should be held accountable for their actions and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Victims of bastinado should receive proper medical care and support to help them recover from the physical and psychological effects of this brutal form of torture.

Conclusion

Bastinado is a cruel and inhumane form of torture that has been used throughout history for a variety of reasons, including punishment for criminal offenses, torture of political prisoners, and as a form of domestic violence. The method involves the repeated beating of the soles of the feet with a stick or whip, causing extreme physical pain, nerve damage, and psychological trauma. The use of bastinado as a form of torture is illegal under international law and is a violation of human rights.

It is important to raise awareness about the use of bastinado and other forms of torture and to work toward their elimination. Governments, human rights organizations, and individuals can play a role in preventing and responding to torture by condemning its use, providing medical and psychological support to victims, and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. By working together, we can ensure that bastinado and other forms of torture are eliminated and that the human rights and dignity of all individuals are respected and protected.