I don't think the Milan trial is actually an example of universal jurisdiction in action; the American intelligence officers on trial are actually being prosecuted for the kidnapping of an Egyptian cleric, Abu Omar, in Milan in 2003
(Omar was then rendered to Egypt, where he was tortured). So I don't think there can be any quarrel that the Italians have jurisdiction here.

background from Der Spiegel:
http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,472495,00.html

Posted at October 1, 2008 4:00 AM in response to Beyond The Point Of Speculation