Syrian refugee women stand at a refugee camp in Reyhanli district, in Antakya, Turkey, 19 March 2012. A total of 13,700 Syrian refugees have crossed into Turkey. Refugees are escaping increasing violence in Syria, and new reports of torture. Photo: EPA/TOLGA BOZOGLU

Human-rights group Amnesty International, known for frequent criticism of Israel’s actions in Israel and the West Bank, has released a report documenting 31 torture methods used by Syrian security forces, army members and pro-government gangs.

The methods described by witnesses or victims in February 2012 are said to include stripping victims, leaving them outside for 24 hours, beating them with sticks, rifle butts, whips, fists and braided cables. Some people have been forced inside a vehicle tire, hoisted up and beaten. Torture via electrical shocking is also widespread.

“The testimonies we have heard give disturbing insights into a system of detention and interrogation which, a year after protests began, appears intended primarily to degrade, humiliate and terrify its victims into silence,” said Ann Harrison, Interim Deputy Director for Amnesty International’s Middle East and North Africa Programme, according to the organization’s website.