In another bold demonstration of their innovative approach to public diplomacy, senior lawyer for the US government has announced – in a British court, no less – that it considers itself to have the right to “kidnap” British citizens if they are wanted for crimes in the US. The Sunday Times has more:
A senior lawyer for the American government has told the Court of Appeal in London that kidnapping foreign citizens is permissible under American law because the US Supreme Court has sanctioned it. […]
Until now it was commonly assumed that US law permitted kidnapping only in the “extraordinary rendition” of terrorist suspects. The American government has for the first time made it clear in a British court that the law applies to anyone, British or otherwise, suspected of a crime by Washington.
Legal experts confirmed this weekend that America viewed extradition as just one way of getting foreign suspects back to face trial. Rendition, or kidnapping, dates back to 19th-century bounty hunting and Washington believes it is still legitimate.
And here’s the best bit: “the US Justice Department declined to comment“. Wow… faced with public relations this effective, we can but bow our heads with respect.
