Can someone please explain how Spain claims jurisdiction over this matter? Is this part of some UN or World Court thing?
Spain claims “Universal Jurisdiction” over such crimes (or allegations) as genocide, torture or terrorism (perhaps others?)
http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=Y2NjYTNjM2U4OWEyNDI1ZWRiMDhmMGEyNGYxYjE2N2U=
The same way the Brits do, they’ve had similar incidents with Israelis, and you probably remember Pinochet. In many European countries local magistrates can file charges for just about anything against anyone, without central government approval. Which is enough to effectively bar travel by those accused. As to treaties, any signatory to the Genocide Treaty can file charges against any violator. The US could charge a Sudanese in US Court. I don’t know it that extends to various treaties relating to war crimes and/or torture, but I wouldn’t be surprised. In theory a Spanish or Brit magistrate could limit VP Cheney’s travels.