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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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Spain's Human Rights Probes Spark Backlash

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(Newser) – Judges in Spain are pressing human rights cases against top officials around the world, prompting threats abroad and criticisms at home, the Washington Post reports. Invoking so-called universal jurisdiction, judges are probing 16 cases, including US approval of torture and Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip. But nervous Spanish lawmakers reacted by voting to limit the nation's judicial reach.

"How can a Spanish judge with limited resources determine what really happened in Tiananmen or Tibet?" one legislator asked. Caught in the middle is Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, who seeks to warm frosty relations with Washington. Advocates say Spanish arrest warrants can enable other countries to nab abusers: Any democratic member of the United Nations "should be able to bring these cases," one lawyer said.

Spanish prime minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero attends a press conference on August 21, 2008 in Madrid, Spain.
Spanish prime minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero attends a press conference on August 21, 2008 in Madrid, Spain.   (Getty Images)
Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero makes an official statement at the Moncloa Palace March 7, 2008 in Madrid, Spain.
Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero makes an official statement at the Moncloa Palace March 7, 2008 in Madrid, Spain.   (Getty Images)
Spanish judge Baltazar Garzon gestures after a television interview in Guatemala City, Wednesday March 11, 2009.
Spanish judge Baltazar Garzon gestures after a television interview in Guatemala City, Wednesday March 11, 2009.   (AP Photo/Moises Castillo)
Spanish Judge Baltasar Garzon arrives at Palma de Mallorca's court, in Spain, Saturday, June 14, 2008.
Spanish Judge Baltasar Garzon arrives at Palma de Mallorca's court, in Spain, Saturday, June 14, 2008.   (AP Photo/Manu Mielniezuk)
Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero attends a press conference following a meeting of European Union leaders at the Chancellery on February 22, 2009 in Berlin, Germany.
Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero attends a press conference following a meeting of European Union leaders at the Chancellery on February 22, 2009 in Berlin, Germany.   (Getty Images)
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4 comments
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TerrifiedCitizen
May 25, 09 12:18 AM CDT
Most of our lawmakers can't take the heat; so they won't taste the salsa. Reply
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Stuart
May 26, 09 5:59 AM CDT
I hope we start indicting the Spanish for their treatment of the Basques. Self-righteous hypocrites. Reply
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jagerhans
Sep 15, 09 4:18 AM CDT
you're right but who knows maybe those judges are a minority that agrees with you but cannot go further because of political pressure.
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serfinWI
May 26, 09 12:47 PM CDT
If you live in a glass house... Reply
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