Can Spain really prosecute George W. Bush aides over torture?

[L. Coyote]

Can Spain really prosecute George W. Bush aides over torture?
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2009/04/can-spain-really-prosecute-george-w-bush-aides-over-torture.html


The White House has discouraged any talk of prosecuting George W. Bush or any of his aides over the torture of terrorism suspects -- which President Obama has now outlawed. The new president says he just wants to move on from the policies of the old one.

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Spain argues that it has jurisdiction in the case because five Spanish prisoners at Guantanamo Bay allege they were tortured. And human rights organizations in the United States agree.

As Michael Ratner, president of the Center for Constitutional Rights, said last week, "the importance of this investigation cannot be understated. Contrary to statements by some, the Spanish investigations are not 'symbolic.' Just ask Augusto Pinochet, who was stranded under house arrest in England and who ultimately faced criminal charges in Chile because of the pressure of the Spanish courts.” He added, “If and when arrest warrants are issued, 24 countries in Europe are obligated to enforce them. The world is getting smaller for the torture conspirators.”

Can Spain really prosecute U.S. officials? Legal experts say they can. ...........