The Geneva Convention is pretty clear and the United States signed on.<p>Yale Law School Lillian Goldman Library:<p>Article 2 &amp; 5:<p>&quot;...Prisoners of war are in the power of the hostile Power, but not of the individuals or corps who have captured them. They must at all times be humanely treated and protected, particularly against acts of violence, insults and public curiosity. Measures of reprisal against them are prohibited.<p>: &quot;...No coercion may be used on prisoners to secure information to the condition of their army or country. Prisoners who refuse to answer may not be threatened, insulted, or exposed to unpleasant or disadvantageous treatment of any kind whatever. ...&quot;<p><a href="http:&#x2F;&#x2F;avalon.law.yale.edu&#x2F;20th_century&#x2F;geneva02.asp#art5" rel="nofollow">http:&#x2F;&#x2F;avalon.law.yale.edu&#x2F;20th_century&#x2F;geneva02.asp#art5</a>