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

Case would turn courts into political 'plaything,' he says
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Apr 16, 2009 9:13 AM CDT
No Torture Trial for 'Bush Six': Spain's Top Cop
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)

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. (More Bush administration stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X