U.S. anti-terror legislation gets chilly reception from a wary world

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http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2006/09/29/europe/EU_GEN_Terror_Legislation_World_View.php


The Associated Press

Published: September 29, 2006



MADRID, Spain From Paris to Baghdad, critics on Friday denounced American anti-terror legislation that would allow U.S. President George W. Bush to interpret parts of the Geneva Conventions and sets tough ground rules for defendants at Guantanamo Bay.

The legislation, expected to clear a final congressional hurdle later in the day and go to the White House for the president's signature, was condemned by human rights groups and newspapers as a violation of international law and an invitation to torture.

Criticism of the American legislation was particularly strong in Europe.

"Once again the Bush (team) has succeeded in significantly breaching the rule of law. This is to the great delight of the 'Islamoterrorists' whose aim is to destroy the political system of the godless West," the Swiss daily Tribune de Geneve said in an editorial Friday. "Bush Junior now has tailor-made justice."

Manfred Nowak, the United Nations' anti-torture investigator, said the bill failing to provide prisoners a fair trial, and said it was particularly troubling following known abuses in American detention facilities.

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