UN: Trump Broke International Law with Blackwater Pardons
The United Nations Human Rights Council has issued an expert opinion that Trump’s pardons of the Blackwater mercenaries who shot up Nisour Square in Baghdad was a violation of international law.
“Pardoning the Blackwater contractors is an affront to justice and to the victims of the Nisour Square massacre and their families,” said Jelena Aparac, Chair-Rapporteur of the Working Group on the use of mercenaries.
“The Geneva Conventions oblige States to hold war criminals accountable for their crimes, even when they act as private security contractors. These pardons violate US obligations under international law and more broadly undermine humanitarian law and human rights at a global level.
“Ensuring accountability for such crimes is fundamental to humanity and to the community of nations,” she said. “Pardons, amnesties, or any other forms of exculpation for war crimes open doors to future abuses when States contract private military and security companies for inherent state functions.”
The US is a signatory to the Geneva Conventions, so we are obliged to follow them. I doubt Trump even thought of this, but if he did, he either shrugged it off or was thrilled at yet one more opportunity to show his contempt for the world.
This suggests that President Biden (!!!), once in office, might find a legal way to reverse those pardons. Let’s hope so, as it would certainly help restore our image around the world, especially in Iraq, where they are furious over this.
