Atika Balal
2 December 2011
Governments of Ethiopia, Tanzania and Zambia have been asked to arrest former President of the United States, George W. Bush for crimes under international law during his expected visit to the region between December 1 and 5, Amnesty International said.
A statement issued by human rights group said there was enough evidence in the public domain, from US authorities and from Bush himself, to trigger requirements for all three countries to investigate his alleged involvement and responsibility for torture, and to secure his presence during the investigation.
In the statement, the group’s senior legal adviser, Matt Pollard said all countries to which Bush travels have an obligation to bring him to justice for his role in torture
“Amnesty International recognizes the value of raising awareness about cervical and breast cancer in Africa, the stated aim of the visit, but this cannot lessen the damage to the fight against torture caused by allowing someone who has admitted to authorizing water-boarding to travel without facing the consequences prescribed by law.
“International law requires that there be no safe haven for those responsible for torture; Ethiopia, Tanzania and Zambia must seize this opportunity to fulfil their obligations and end the impunity George W. Bush has so far enjoyed,” the statement added.
The group said it has written to the ministers of justice in all three countries to remind them about their obligations under international law and is providing them with the supporting documentation making the case for Bush’s investigation.
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