Andrew Polk
Extraordinary Rendition

(2010) Acrylic on canvas, 60"H x 42"W

Extraordinary rendition Commonly used in the US War On Terror, it was the practice of kidnapping or capturing people and sending them to countries where they faced a high risk of torture or abuse in interrogations. The practice, begun in the 1990's, reached its peak in the early 21st century. In 2005, it was prohibited by US Congress.

Through this practice, torture was used to interogate people suspected of terrorist activities. In effect, the US circumvented its own laws prohibiting torture and sought to avoid public scrutiny and accountability. Further, many of the detainees were innocent of terrorist activites.