Mali’s Army Regulations (1979) provides that attacks on the physical integrity, in particular torture, of the wounded, sick and shipwrecked, prisoners and civilians are a grave breach of the laws and customs of war. It adds that from the moment of their capture, “prisoners of war must be treated humanely. They must be protected against all acts of violence, against insults and public curiosity. They have the right of respect for their honour.” 

Under Mali’s Penal Code (2001), torture and inhuman treatment, wilfully causing great suffering or injuries to the physical and mental integrity or health of protected persons is a war crime.