CCHR and Electroshock Survivors Reject Psychiatric Apology for Tortured Children

CCHR joins survivors of electroshock torture in NZ in condemning a very late apology issued by a psychiatric association, spanning half a century of neglecting the abuse endured. The group wants justice for victims of similar abuse in the U.S. The U.S.-based Citizens Commission on Human Rights International joined former child victims of psychiatric electroshock … Read more

CCHR Praised for 47 Years of Exposing Psychiatric Abuses in New Zealand

CCHR NZ spoke before a government inquiry about exposing decades of abuse where patients were electroshocked and drugged in the mental health system; psychiatric experimental treatment, and a litany of deaths. The Royal Commission heard of “children being raped, patients being over-medicated and a level of dehumanization akin to concentration camps.” Citizens Commission on Human … Read more

CCHR’s Work Acknowledged in NZ Inquiry into Lake Alice Psychiatric Child Torture as “An Extraordinary Effort,” Supporting Survivors for 45 Years

After weeks of testimony from former Lake Alice patients being electroshocked without an aesthetic as punishment, knocked unconscious with the violence of the shock, then being raped, some “solace” from being heard has been be found, CCHR says, “but not yet justice.” A two-week New Zealand government Royal Commission public inquiry into the psychiatric electroshock … Read more

Psychiatrist Selwyn Leeks Not Only Tortured Children, He’s Also Accused of Rape, Lake Alice NZ Inquiry Hears

*Warning: This story contains details that may disturb some people* A 14-year-old girl was drugged, electroshocked and allegedly raped by “sadistic” psychiatrist in NZ; staff and authorities ignored her pleas; police didn’t investigate the complaint. Never prosecuted, Leeks moved to Australia, where he continued to practice and sexually assault patients, without accountability. A Royal Commission … Read more

CCHR Testifies at Govt Inquiry into Lake Alice Electroshock Torture of Hundreds of Children & Acknowledged as Heroes for Exposing This

*Warning: This story contains details that may disturb some people* 300 NZ children were tortured with electroshock at Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital between 1972 and 1978. Their horrific abuse—described by one expert as similar to Gestapo torture—continued, as NZ psychiatrists, medical and government authorities ignored their pleas. However, the watchdog, CCHR, believed them and acted, … Read more