Torture trade

[1] From 1997 to 2000, US companies earned over $13 million exporting stun guns, electro-shock batons and optical sighting devices to Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

[1] Companies that produce electro-shock weapons, restraints and sprays say their products are nonlethal if used by security officials with proper training.

The following table includes some of the countries identified by Amnesty International from 1998-2000 as engaged in the manufacture, distribution, supply, or brokerage of stun weapons and restraints.

Effects include severe pain, loss of muscle control, nausea, convulsions, fainting, and involuntary defecation and urination.

The Department of Commerce created a separate export commodity code for electro-shock devices to make it easier to track them.

In 1997, one US company was caught exporting electro-shock guns and pepper spray without a license by mislabeling them as “Fountain pens, Keychains, Child Sound device, [and] Electrical voltage units.”[1]