Minimum Interrogation Standards Interrogation is any questioning by a public official of a person where there is a suspicion that that person is involved in an offence. It applies whether someone is under arrest or detention or is voluntarily subjecting themselves to an interview and includes a situation where someone is interviewed originally as a witness or as someone with relevant information but, during the course of the interview, becomes suspected of involvement in the offence. Most of these standards will also apply by analogy to other types of questioning. 1. States must ensure that torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment are not employed before, during or after any interrogation. Nor must these practices be employed to compel witnesses to give information about or evidence against another. 2. Interrogation should never take place at secret interrogation centres. If a person is detained for interrogation, relatives or a third person of the person’s choice and, where applicable, consular authorities should be informed immediately of the fact and place of detention and/or that of interrogation. 3. Individuals should only be interrogated for a reasonable period, taking into account the individual characteristics of the interrogated person and, if extending for a lengthy period, regular breaks should be provided. 4. Persons subject to interrogation must be given adequate food, sleep, exercise, changes of clothing, washing facilities and, if needed, medical treatment taking into account any particular characteristics of the individual including age, gender, religion, ethnicity, medical needs, mental illness and any disabilities or other vulnerabilities. 5. There should never be a threat of the removal of basic necessities such as hygiene provisions, food, exercise, rest, sleep, in exchange for information or cooperation. Neither should there be a threat of any reprisals against a third person (and in particular a relative). 20