Lawyers Group Urges Bush Be Arrested or Barred From Canada in First Trip Abroad Since Leaving Office

Former President George W. Bush is making his first trip abroad today since leaving the White House. Bush is expected to receive a six-figure fee to speak at a private event in the Canadian city of Calgary. Organizers say Bush will address an invite-only crowd on “eight momentous years in the Oval Office” and “the challenges facing the world in the 21st century.” Protests have been underway in the week leading up to Bush’s appearance. A group calling itself People Versus Bush has organized a series of events culminating in a rally outside the lecture site later today.

Meanwhile, a group of Canadian lawyers are trying to block Bush’s entry into their country. Lawyers Against the War says Bush should be either barred or detained for condoning the use of torture at overseas jails. If Canadian officials won’t deny Bush entry, the lawyers say Bush should be arrested and tried for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Under Canadian law, foreign nationals who’ve committed war crimes or crimes against humanity are “inadmissible” to Canada. The Canadian government has so far ignored the request.

Attorney Gail Davidson is a spokesperson for Lawyers Against the War. She joins me now from Vancouver, Canada via internet videostream.

Gail Davidson, attorney in Vancouver. She is the spokesperson for Lawyers Against the War.

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