Iraq War: That Trial (Pt. 2 of 2)

(Cont. from Part 1)  I was intrigued to see how emphatic it was against the idea of pardoning war criminals in Iraq (my emphasis):

<<Fundamental principles of fair trial include the presumption of innocence. Any tribunal must be competent, impartial and independent, and pursue suspects solely on the basis of the evidence against them and through a fair process. There should be no statute of limitations and no amnesties, pardons or similar measures for crimes under international law if such measures would prevent a conclusive verdict and full reparations for victims. Suspects should be brought to justice in proceedings that fully respect international law and standards for fair trial at all stages of the proceedings. There should be the right to appeal and no recourse to the death penalty or other forms of cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment. Victims and their families must have effective means to obtain full reparation for the violations they have suffered.>>

The Amnesty International article also includes these observations that I hope someone in responsible positions in the US government are taking into full account:

<< It is also a grave concern for Amnesty International that the death penalty has not been ruled out as a punishment by the special tribunal. The trial of Saddam Hussein and others should not be seen as a process of revenge. The Coalition Provisional Authority has suspended the death penalty and Amnesty International looks forward to its permanent abolition. ...

<< As former head of Iraq's armed forces, Saddam Hussein is a prisoner of war and must be treated accordingly, including promptly being given access to delegates of the International Committee of the Red Cross. Like any other criminal suspect, Saddam Hussein is entitled to all relevant safeguards under international law, including the right not to be subjected to torture or ill-treatment and to receive a fair trial.

<< Amnesty International is concerned that aspects of Saddam Hussein's medical examination were shown on television. The Third Geneva Convention regulating the treatment of prisoners of war requires that prisoners be treated humanely at all times, including by protecting them against "public curiosity". >>

Tags: iraq war, saddam hussein