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Chicago torture victims face uphill legal battle
Court Watch |
2008/10/27 19:42
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| Melvin Jones says he screamed and begged for mercy as Chicago police touched metal clips to his feet and thighs, churned a hand-cranked device and sent shock waves of electricity through his body more than 25 years ago.pHe says he was told the torture would stop when he confessed to murder./ppJones is among the dozens of alleged torture victims who have little hope of winning compensation, despite the arrest this week of a former police commander who officials say lied about the abuse./ppSome have already completed prison terms for crimes they claim they confessed to only after police beat or electrocuted them. More than 20 remain in prison./ppBut the indictment of former police Lt. Jon Burge — while a moral victory — is unlikely to spring anyone from prison soon or prompt any quick settlement of claims for damages, lawyers for alleged torture victims say./ppThe state attorney general's office hasn't agreed to new trials for those claiming coerced confessions and the city opposes paying damages to alleged victims, they say./p |
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