PART B – Interview – ethical and clinical considerations 9 PART B INTERVIEW – ETHICAL AND CLINICAL CONSIDERATIONS The interview has the key role for the effective investigation of torture. A detailed report can be prepared only by means of an appropriate and comprehensive interview. The interview has to be structured and conducted according to the guidelines defined in the “General considerations for interviews”, “Procedural safeguards with respect to detainees” and “Relevant ethical codes” chapters of the Istanbul Protocol. These considerations apply to all persons carrying out interviews whether they are lawyers, medical doctors, psychologists, psychiatrists, human rights monitors or members of any other profession (Istanbul Protocol, § 120). The expert who makes the psychological evaluation should keep in mind that all the procedural safeguards mentioned in the Istanbul Protocol should be taken into con- sideration not only during the physical examination but also during the psychological evaluation. In all the medical and psychological examination and evaluation processes, it is fundamental to adhere to the basic principle “Primum non nocere – First, do no harm” (Wenzel, 2002). “[…]The limitations of certain conditions for interviews, however, do not preclude aspiring to application of the guidelines set forth in this manual. It is especially important in difficult circumstances that governments and authorities involved be held to these standards as much as possible” (Istanbul Protocol, § 239). I. PRIVACY Examinations must be conducted in private under the control of the clinician. Privacy during the interviews is not only necessary for ethical reasons, but also when talking about sensitive issues which are embarrassing for the person being evaluated. The clinician should establish and maintain privacy during the whole interview (Istanbul Protocol, § 83 and §124).