challenging the apolitical nature of the CPT can only undermine the efforts of all those who are strongly committed to improving the situation of persons deprived of their liberty. In this respect, it should be recalled that the prohibition of torture and other forms of ill-treatment remains a key obligation of all Council of Europe member states, and that fulfilling this obligation can only be achieved by effective preventive action and full co-operation with the CPT and other relevant bodies of the Council of Europe. Mykola Gnatovskyy President of the CPT Foreword ► Page 7