OTTAWA - Amnesty
International wants the federal government to arrest former U.S.
president George W. Bush when he visits British Columbia next week.
The
rights body said both Canadian and international law require Canada to
detain Bush and investigate him for war crimes and torture.
"It is
incumbent upon Canadian officials to investigate, arrest and prosecute
former president Bush for torture when he arrives in Canada a week
tomorrow," said Alex Neve, Amnesty Canada's secretary general.
Bush and former president Bill Clinton are scheduled to attend an economic conference in Surrey, B.C. next week.
Neve
said many will argue that arresting Bush is unrealistic because the
United States is a close and powerful ally or that the crisis after 9-11
required extraordinary measures.
"None of those arguments justify inaction under international law," he said.
Neve
conceded that arresting a former president would likely cause tension
with the United States, but "taking a principled step merits that sort
of strain."
Neve said Bush admitted in his memoirs that he authorized the use of torture against terror suspects.
American
authorities used a variety of torture methods, including water
boarding, beatings and sleep deprivation, Neve said. The Bush
administration used euphemisms such as "enhanced interrogation
techniques," but these methods constituted torture.
"All of this was authorized and condoned and put in place through his own repeated decisions."
Neve
said the international arm of Amnesty sent a lengthy brief to Justice
Minister Rob Nicholson outlining the government's responsibilities under
international law and urging him to act.
"This is something the entire global movement stands behind," Neve said.
Nicholson's office did not respond to a call for comment on Amnesty's demand.