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No Torture Trial for 'Bush Six': Spain's Top Cop

Case would turn courts into political 'plaything,' he says

By the Associated Press

Posted Apr 16, 2009 9:13 AM CDT

(AP) – Spanish prosecutors will recommend against opening an investigation into whether six Bush administration officials sanctioned torture against terror suspects at Guantanamo Bay, the country’s attorney general said today. The case against former high-ranking figures like Alberto Gonzales was without merit, he said, because the men weren’t present when the alleged torture took place.

Such a trial would have turned Spain’s National Court “into a plaything” to be used for political ends, said Candido Conde-Pumpido—who, as the nation’s top law-enforcement official, makes the ultimate decision. The case was the first of several international efforts to indict former administration members. Human-rights groups have also tried to bring suit against Bush officials in a German court.

The Spanish case would have tried six former Bush administration officials, including former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, for allegedly giving legal cover for torture.
The Spanish case would have tried six former Bush administration officials, including former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, for allegedly giving legal cover for torture.   (AP Photo)
Spain's attorney general says the officials can't be tried for the alleged crimes because they weren't physically present.
Spain's attorney general says the officials can't be tried for the alleged crimes because they weren't physically present.   (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
A Guantanamo detainee is escorted by guards at Camp 4 detention facility in Guantanamo Bay last year.
A Guantanamo detainee is escorted by guards at Camp 4 detention facility in Guantanamo Bay last year.   (AP Photo)
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If one is dealing with a crime of mistreatment of prisoners of war, the complaint should go against those who physically carried it out. - Candido Conde-Pumpido,
Spain's attorney general

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
Mad
Apr 16, 2009 4:07 AM CDT
Why is no one outraged that foreign countries have more honor and sense of duty than our own courts, in investigating and holding Bush responsible for his many crimes? Sometimes, I conclude no mortal jury will ever sit in judgement of Bush and his crimes, but pray God shall DAMN Bush, and his blood thirsty followers
Fondue
Apr 16, 2009 2:39 AM CDT
I wonder if it would be easier if prosecutors waited until we were out of Iraq.
Caps
Apr 16, 2009 2:16 AM CDT
Now this is a shame. They all should be proscuted.

Copyright 2012 Newser, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. AP contributed to this report.

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