George Bush's 3rd terrorism speech contained two key stunts: the claim that he can have a 9/11 trial as soon as Congress gives him the authorising legislation that he wants, and a demand for a war crimes exemption for the CIA program that runs the interrogation of detainees. Regarding the latter, an explanatory White House "Fact Sheet" says --
[Geneva Common Article 3] prohibits "outrages upon personal dignity" and "humiliating and degrading treatment." These and other provisions are vague and undefined and could be interpreted in different ways by American and foreign judges.
Which is in effect an admission that tactics which reasonable people believe fall into these categories have been, and will continue to be, used. Note also that the "Fact Sheet" is entitled Bringing Terrorists to Justice, making no pretence at presumption of innocence.
No comments:
Post a Comment