PURSUING INTERNATIONAL LAW

Anyone who has been listening to my radio program, or following this blog knows why I like this.

MADRID (AP) ― A Spanish court has agreed to consider opening a criminal case against six former Bush administration officials, including former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, over allegations they gave legal cover for torture at Guantanamo Bay, a lawyer in the case said Saturday.

A little over 10 years ago I wrote an article for the Bakersfield Californian discussing why the U.S. should support Spain's detention of former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet. If I can find it I'll post it.

With their actions the Spaniards are telling the world that if the U.S. won't pursue those who violated international law they will do what they can to stain the Bush administration officials who did.

It should be noted, however, that the Bush administration officials who might be prosecuted in a Spanish court (in absentia) would, in all likelihood, never be extradited if convicted. They would have to travel to a country that would be amenable to arresting and extraditing those listed in the case.

- Mark