Inquisition compared favorably with contemporary standards of secular justice. "In contrast to the secular courts, the Inquisition was a model of moderation and due process. The Holy Office was sceptical about the validity of confession obtained by torture, and did not employ torture as a matter of course." In Protestant countries, torture was used in witchcraft trials in both Scotland and Northern Europe, although the worst excesses occurred when political intrigue was suspected. However, there "seems not to have been one single occasion where torture of a woman for suspected witchcraft was licensed" in England, despite the fact that women were commonly whipped to obtain evidence in criminal cases and torture was used for milder felonies, including burglary and assault.<br /><br />The background for the use of torturebe leading the region
or drawing up its future."

Erdogan's AKP party, with its Islamist roots and election success, has
become a model for much of the Brotherhood and other political groups as
they prepare for the first free vote since Hosni Mubarak's 30-year rule
was ended in February.

But the Brotherhood and other groups are wary of outside involvement in a
home-grown uprising. A senior Turkish official said Turkey did not want
to dictate but offer help.

"Arab states do not need outside projects ... This has to come from the
new internal systems of the Arab countries which after the revolutions
... will be democratic ones," said Erian, who was jailed under Mubarak.

Erian, however, praised Erdogan's political success at home in free
elections and his achievement in building a strong economy and
supporting Arab causes.

"He has successfully invested in