Amnesty International: Bush Could Face Prosecution For Waterboarding

President George W. Bush should be investigated and possibly prosecuted following the former President’s acknowledgement that he authorized waterboarding, according to human rights watchdog Amnesty International.

“Under international law, the former President’s admission to having authorized acts that amount to torture are enough to trigger the USA’s obligations to investigate,” a statement from Amnesty International reads. “Failure to investigate and prosecute in circumstances where the requisite criteria are met is itself a violation of international law.”

Amnesty International notes that if Bush’s account of the authorization is specifically substantiated, then he should face prosecution. The organization adds that excepting Bush due to his position as former President would violate international law.

In Bush’s new book “Decision Points,” Bush states that he approved the use of the controversial interrogation technique against 9/11 plotter Khalid Sheikh Mohammed after it was approved by the White House’s legal counsel. Bush has said that the decision saved lives and that he would have made the same decision again.