Report: Spain trying to rein in judges on Israel war crimes trial

[Scurrilous]

'Wall Street Journal' reports Spanish government proposing legislation that would prevent courts from dealing with cases not directly related to Spain. Unclear if bill would have impact on open war crimes investigations against US, China and Israel

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3718976,00.html

<snip>

"The 'Wall Street Journal' reported on Wednesday that Spanish authorities are working to limit the jurisdiction of the country's investigative judges and prevent the latter from trying war crimes allegations that occurred elsewhere in the world.

The resolution passed by Spain's Congress on Tuesday amends the current law to prohibit judges from dealing with offenses that have no direct Spanish connection.

Citing 'universal jurisdiction,' Spain's National Court is currently pursuing 13 cases involving allegations of crimes against humanity. Several of these have garnered considerable international attention, with domestic media in the countries being investigated taking a pointedly critical position against the Spanish trials.

The most high-profile ongoing investigations include allegations of US torture against prisoners at Guantanamo Bay, violence against Tibetan protestors by Chinese authorities, and war crimes charges against a number of Israeli military and defense officials involved in the 2002 bombing of Hamas leader Sheikh Salah Shehadeh.

The WSJ reported that the Spanish decision was prompted by the pressure exerted by the foreign governments being charged. Spain's state prosecution has opposed all three cases, and its attorney-general, Cándido Conde-Pumpido, warned that the investigations compromised the standing of the Spanish justice system."

[ixion]

1. so, how does this NOT constitute a conspiracy?

You have the accused petitioning a government for a change in the rules that will make it difficult or impossible for a court to do it's job.

That sure sounds like a conspiracy to me.

[Howardx]

2. "foreign governments being charged"

governments? why dont they just say pressure from israel not to prosecute their war crimes?

[Sezu]

3. Uh maybe if you knew anything about the world in general you

would know that Israel is NOT the only government concerned with type of crap. Spain should look after its own affairs which it has every right to do but leave the international stuff to bodies having real recognition and standing in the international community.But then you never miss a chance to don yer tin foil hat do you?

[IDFbunny]

4. I'm sure Clinton wouldn't mind if the Supremes

on their own, started issuing orders, subpoenas, and indictments to Israel, Iran, or NKorea.

[cali]

5. the amusing thing about all this is that Spain never investigated

or prosecuted their own hideous record of torture and mass murder. Imagine how outraged people on DU would be if the U.S. started doing what Judge Garzon has been doing. Not that I have any objection but it is rather funny.