Correlation between law, psychology and political science in creation of “National Preventive Mechanism” for prevention of psychological torture in Russia
Starting with the analysis of the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture (which has not been ratified by Russia, however, Russia complies with many provisions thereof), the authors address the necessity to strengthen anti-torture activities in the Russian Federation and comment on certain aspects of public debate over this issue. The analysis focuses on independent national mechanisms for prevention of torture. The authors underline underestimation of importance of constitutional law approach to the problem. They point out the necessity to use the process of creation of “national preventive mechanism” with the purpose to set up the system of cooperation of civil society institutions, including the bar association, expert academic institutions and, most important, the psychologists. The paper highlights that together with law and political science, psychology makes up an essential methodological part of anti-torture activities. The authors also comment on inefficiency of “Enhanced Interrogation Techniques” and mark the necessity to introduce an analogue of Hippocratic Oath for psychologists