Kavisht
- Feb 23, 2023
- 7 min read

Blinding Torture Method: Barbaric Punishment with a Hot poker into the eyes

Blinding is a particularly cruel and brutal form of physical punishment that results in the complete or nearly complete loss of vision. This punishment has been used throughout history as an act of revenge and torture. Even in Greek mythology, there are references to blinding as a divine punishment, reflecting human practice.

During the Byzantine Empire and in many other historical societies, blinding was typically accomplished by gouging out the eyes using a sharp object, such as a hot poker or a knife. Another method involved pouring boiling substances like vinegar onto the eyes, which would cause severe burns and damage to the optic nerve, ultimately leading to blindness.

The use of blinding as a punishment was not limited to the Byzantine Empire. It has been used in many cultures throughout history, including in medieval Europe, where it was often used as a form of punishment for treason and other serious crimes. In some cultures, blinding was also used as a form of punishment for women who had committed adultery or other perceived moral transgressions.

Today, blinding is considered a severe form of physical torture and a grave violation of human rights. The use of blinding as a punishment is illegal under international law, and perpetrators can be held accountable for committing such acts of violence. It is important to recognize the inherent dignity and value of every human life and to work towards eliminating all forms of torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.

Origins of the Blinding Torture Method

The origins of the blinding torture method can be traced back to ancient times. It has been used as punishment in many cultures and societies throughout history.

In ancient Greece, blinding was sometimes used as a divine punishment, as referenced in Greek mythology. The practice was also used in ancient Rome, where it was a punishment for certain crimes, such as perjury and embezzlement.

During the Byzantine Empire, blinding was used as a punishment for political dissidents, traitors, and usurpers. The method involved gouging out the eyes, often done with a sharp instrument, such as a hot poker or a knife. The intention was to inflict physical pain and psychological trauma, as the loss of vision was believed to be a source of humiliation and helplessness.

Blinding continued to be used throughout the medieval period as a form of punishment for treason and other serious crimes and as a means of suppressing dissent. In some cultures, it was also used as a punishment for adultery or other perceived moral transgressions.

Today, blinding is recognized as a grave human rights violation and is prohibited under international law. The use of blinding as a punishment is considered torture and is never justified under any circumstances. It is important to recognize and respect the inherent dignity and worth of every human being, and to work towards eliminating all forms of torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.

Places Where Blinding Torture Method Practiced in Past

The blinding torture method has been practiced throughout history in many parts of the world. It was used as a form of punishment for various crimes and offenses, including political dissidence, treason, embezzlement, and moral transgressions. Here are a few examples of places where blinding was used as a torture method in the past:

Byzantine Empire: As mentioned earlier, blinding was used as punishment for political dissidents, traitors, and usurpers in the Byzantine Empire. The practice involved gouging out the eyes with a sharp instrument, such as a hot poker or a knife.
Medieval Europe: In medieval Europe, blinding was often used as a punishment for treason and other serious crimes. It was also used to suppress dissent and as a form of punishment for adultery or other perceived moral transgressions.
Ancient Rome: Blinding was used as a punishment for certain crimes in ancient Rome, including perjury and embezzlement. The method involved gouging out the eyes or exposing the eyes to bright light, causing temporary or permanent blindness.
Ottoman Empire: The Ottomans also used blinding as punishment for political dissidents and traitors. The method involved piercing the eyes with a hot needle, which would cause severe pain and often lead to permanent blindness.
China: In ancient China, blinding was used as punishment for crimes such as treason and corruption. The method involved using a heated metal instrument to burn out the eyes.

It is important to note that blinding as a form of punishment is a grave human rights violation and is prohibited under international law. The use of torture in any form, including blinding, is never justified under any circumstances.

How Blinding Torture Method was Executed Step by Step

The blinding torture method has been executed in various ways throughout history, depending on the society and culture in which it was practiced. Here are some possible steps in the execution of blinding:

Restraining the victim: The victim would usually be restrained in some way, to prevent them from resisting or escaping during the torture.
Preparation of the torture instrument: The torture instrument would be prepared, which could involve heating a metal poker or needle, or preparing a boiling substance like vinegar.
Gouging out the eyes: One common method of blinding involves gouging out the eyes with a sharp instrument, such as a knife or hot poker. This was often done while the victim was conscious, causing extreme pain and trauma. Sometimes, the eyes would be held open with clamps or other devices to make the torture more effective.
Pouring boiling substances: Another method of blinding involves pouring boiling substances, such as vinegar or oil, directly into the victim's eyes. This would cause severe eye damage and often lead to permanent blindness.
Burning the eyes: Some cultures, such as ancient China, used a heated metal instrument to burn out the eyes. This would cause severe pain and often lead to permanent blindness.
Treating the wounds: After the torture, the victim's wounds would be treated, although the damage was irreversible in many cases and the victim would be permanently blind.

It is important to note that the blinding torture method is a severe human rights violation prohibited under international law. The use of torture in any form, including blinding, is never justified under any circumstances.

Who Received Blinding: Torture Method

Blinding as a torture method has been inflicted on various individuals throughout history for different reasons. In many cases, blinding was used as punishment for political dissent, treason, and other serious offenses.

However, it was also used as a means of suppressing dissent and as a form of punishment for moral transgressions, including adultery. Here are some examples of the types of people who have been subjected to blinding:

Political Dissidents: Blinding was often used as a punishment for political dissidents and rebels who opposed the ruling regime or government. These individuals were often considered a threat to the existing power structure and were punished severely, including being blinded.
Traitors: Individuals accused of treason, such as betraying their country or their ruler, were often punished by being blinded to prevent them from ever betraying again.
Criminals: In some societies, blinding was used as a punishment for serious crimes such as murder, rape, and theft. In these cases, the goal was to inflict severe pain and to deter others from committing similar crimes.
Moral Transgressors: Blinding was also used as a punishment for moral transgressions such as adultery, fornication, and other sexual misconduct.
Enemies: Blinding was sometimes used to humiliate and defeat enemies in war. This was done to inflict a psychological blow on the enemy and make defeating them easier.

It is important to note that blinding as a form of punishment is a grave human rights violation and is prohibited under international law. The use of torture in any form, including blinding, is never justified under any circumstances.

How Victim was Effected with Blinding Torture Method

Blinding as a torture method is a severe and traumatic form of punishment that can have long-lasting physical and psychological effects on the victim. Here are some of the effects that a victim of blinding torture might experience:

Permanent blindness: Blinding torture, as the name suggests, can result in permanent blindness. This can significantly impact the victim's ability to perform everyday tasks, such as cooking, cleaning, and taking care of themselves.
Extreme pain: The blinding process is extremely painful, as the eyes are a sensitive part of the body. Victims of blinding torture can experience excruciating pain that can last for days or weeks.
Psychological trauma: The trauma of being blinded can have severe psychological effects on the victim. They may experience anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health issues.
Social isolation: Being blind can lead to social isolation, as the victim may struggle to interact with others and participate in everyday activities. This can also lead to a loss of independence and self-esteem.
Physical disfigurement: Blinding can result in physical disfigurement, as the victim's eyes may be removed or severely damaged. This can constantly remind us of the torture, leading to further psychological trauma.

It is important to note that blinding as a form of punishment is a grave human rights violation and is prohibited under international law. The use of torture in any form, including blinding, is never justified under any circumstances.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the practice of blinding as a form of torture is a barbaric and inhumane act that has been used throughout history to punish and control individuals. The physical and psychological effects of blinding torture are severe and long-lasting, and no one should ever have to endure such a horrific experience.

It is important to recognize that blinding torture violates human rights and is prohibited under international law. The international community must continue to work together to prevent and eliminate all forms of torture, including blinding.

Education and awareness are key to preventing the use of blinding as a form of punishment. By raising awareness about the devastating impact of torture and promoting respect for human rights, we can work towards a world where no one is subjected to the cruel practice of blinding torture.

We must stand together in condemning all forms of torture and work towards a world where human dignity and respect for human rights are at the forefront of all actions and decisions.