Donald Trump’s pardon to Blackwater convicts is ‘an affront to justice’, say UN experts

According to UN experts, lame-duck US President Donald Trump’s latest pardons of four Blackwater contractors, convicted of killing civilians in a 2007 Baghdad massacre, is a violation of the obligations of the United States under international law, reported AFP. 

“The Geneva Conventions oblige states to hold war criminals accountable for their crimes, even when they act as private security contractors,” head of the UN working group on the use of mercenaries Jelena Aparac said in a statement.

“These pardons violate US obligations under international law and more broadly undermine humanitarian law and human rights at a global level.”

In a slew of controversial pardons before Trump leaves the White House, the outgoing president on December 22 pardoned ex lawmakers, Republican congressman, and Blackwater security guards, a move that sparked outrage among people. 

The security guards were convicted for opening fire in Baghdad’s crowded Nisur Square on September 16, 2007, which caused an international scandal after 14 Iraqi civilians died and wounded 17, The guards said they acted in self-defense in response to insurgent fire. 

Aparac said, “Pardoning the Blackwater contractors is an affront to justice and to the victims of the Nisour Square massacre and their families.”

The UN working group consists of five independent experts, appointed by the United Nations, who do not speak on behalf of the body. They warned that nations have an obligation to hold convicted war criminals accountable.

“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 statement said.