Cо-perpetrators of torture: national and convention definition framework

The article is prepared in continuation of development of author's dissertation researches. The paper reveals the peculiarities of objective and subjective features of cо-perpetration in torture (both on the basis of the provisions of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, and taking into account the provisions of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. When interpreting national criminal law norms in the light of convention provisions, the requirements of two-frame criminal law research are met. The authors' positions are supported by message from human rights organizations, decisions of the European Court of Human Rights, and theoretical modeling. The article contains the following conclusions. A co-perpetrator of torture may commit this criminal offense by his or her own actions or omissions, use another person as a “means” of committing a criminal offense, or delegate the commission of a criminal offense to another person. A co-perpetrator of torture may join in committing torture at any stage of the commission of this criminal offense. If, under the circumstances of complicity in torture, a public official or other person acting in an official capacity direct torture, he or she is the perpetrator (co-perpetrator) of the offense. If, in complicity in torture, a public official or other person acting in an official capacity creates the conditions for committing the offense, he or she should be recognized as the organizer, instigator or accomplice of the torture (depending on the role he or she has played). If, in complicity in torture, a public official or other person acting in an official capacity doesn't interfere of torture, he or she is the accomplice to torture. Not preventing torture should not be confused with the mental violence that can be used to torture. Article 1 of the 1984 Convention also covers cases of involvement in the torture of public official or other person acting in an official capacity.