In the case of someone who held a gun to another human's head, I cannot sympathise. I just can't. I mulled it over for quite a while and have come to the conclusion that in Dellelo's case he deserved it. He was jailed, released, and then went back to holding up stores. He escaped prison and his eventual punishment is solitary confinement in a maximum security prison. But, is his trauma in confinement, which he chose by his repeated horrible actions, appropriate karma for the trauma he caused countless people? The trauma he would cause countless more if he were out running free? I have no simpathy for him, and I would not waste my time defending him from his punishment. I would use his case to educate young people of the risks you take in becoming a violent offender.
In the case of POWs, yes, solitary confinement is torture based on the article's evidence. I'd still take that over physical torment though, but that's only my opinion and I haven't been in the situation. So, I very well might change my mind.