AMNESTY REQUESTS ZAMBIA TO ARREST EX-AMERICAN PRESIDENT GEORGE BUSH

Amnesty International has written to the Minister of Justice, Sebastian Zulu, seeking for the arrest of former American President George Bush, during his visit, which begins tomorrow.

The international human rights watchdog has written similar letters to the governments of Ethiopia and Tanzania.

Amnesty International Senior Legal Adviser, Matt Pollard says the organisation wishes to remind Zambia, Ethiopia and Tanzania about their obligations under international law.

Mr Pollard is since urging the governments of Ethiopia, Tanzania and Zambia to arrest the 43^rd American head of state as he visits the respective countries between 1^st and 5^th December 2011.

Amnesty International says it considers that there is enough evidence in the public domain, from US authorities and from Mr Bush himself, to trigger requirements for his arrest.

It has explained in a statement that Ethiopia, Tanzania and Zambia must investigate Mr Bush’s alleged involvement in and responsibility for torture, and to secure his presence during the investigation.
Mr Pollard also says all countries to which Mr Bush travels have an obligation to bring him to justice for his role in torture.
Amnesty International further says it recognizes the value of raising awareness about cervical and breast cancer in Africa however this cannot lessen the damage to the fight against torture caused by allowing someone, who has admitted to authorising water-boarding.