Ethiopia, Tanzania and Zambia: Bring George W. Bush to Justice

LONDON, United-Kingdom, December 1, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Amnesty International urges the governments of Ethiopia, Tanzania and Zambia to arrest former US President George W. Bush, during his expected visit to the region between 1 and 5 December 2011, for crimes under international law.

Amnesty International considers that there is enough evidence in the public domain, from US authorities and from George W. Bush himself, to trigger requirements for Ethiopia, Tanzania and Zambia to investigate his alleged involvement in and responsibility for torture, and to secure his presence during the investigation.

“All countries to which George W. Bush travels have an obligation to bring him to justice for his role in torture,” said Matt Pollard, Senior Legal Adviser.

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.”

Amnesty International has written to the Ministers of Justice in each of the respective countries to remind them about their obligations under international law and providing them with the supporting documentation making the case for the investigation of George W. B