January 3, 2006

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today signed legislation that will, for the first time, make torture a criminal act in Michigan and provide penalties of up to life imprisonment for persons convicted under the new statute.  The laws become effective on March 1, 2006.

“The torture of a fellow human being is one of the most heinous crimes a person can commit,” said Granholm.  “I am proud to sign legislation that will provide prosecutors with the tools they need to ensure that anyone who would commit this type of reprehensible act is punished appropriately.”

The two bills signed by Granholm define torture as intent to cause cruel or extreme physical or mental pain and suffering.  Torture is now a Class A felony punishable by a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.  The Governor applauded the efforts of Representative John Espinoza (D-Croswell) who first introduced anti-torture legislation last July after learning that Huron County prosecutors were frustrated that a man accused of torturing his blind, diabetic wife could not be held accountable for the unspeakable acts of torture he committed, because no such law existed in Michigan.

"Victims of people who torture will now have the weapons they need to get justice, and those who torture others will now be held accountable for their crimes," said Espinoza.  "I applaud the Governor for giving Michigan and our citizens an important law enforcement tool to help protect our families and loved ones and to make our communities safer."

House Bill 5268 (PA 335 of 2005) was sponsored by Representative Tom Meyer (R-Bad Axe), and House Bill 5269 (PA 336 of 2005) was sponsored by Representative Mike Nofs (R-Battle Creek).

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