However, Doctor Abdul-Kallek Abdulla, a professor of political science in the UAE, told BBC Radio Five Live there was no proof to support the torture claims and "absolutely no truth" to the allegations heard in the British media.

BBC: Dubai drugs trial: Mother tells of 'torture horror'

Politicians of all parties have insisted that torture plays no part in British security policy.

ECONOMIST: The facts, like the policy, remain obscure

Jordan has agreed to change its law to ensure that no evidence obtained by torture could be used in his case.

BBC: Ministers look at Abu Qatada options

Those responsible for committing torture in Nepal can no longer assume they are beyond the reach of the law in other countries.

CNN: Nepalese colonel faces torture charges in UK court

What I have said is that my administration is going to operate in a way that leaves no doubt that we do not torture, and that we abide by the Geneva Conventions, and that we observe our traditions of rule of law and due process, as we are vigorously going after terrorists that can do us harm.

WHITEHOUSE: Presidential Press Conference

The senior Iraqi official told NPR that it is in no way the policy of the Iraqi government to condone torture, but, he said, these are exceptional times.

NPR: Iraqi Agency Targets Police Torture