The Lords ruled that he was not immune from prosecution. If the British home secretary, Jack Straw, had not freed Pinochet earlier this year because of his deteriorating health, he would have had to face trial in Spain on charges of torture and political killings during his 17-year rule in Chile. Some congressional Republicans have argued against the expansion of international criminal courts, which they say could hamstring U.S. leaders who fear being prosecuted after they leave office for official acts they committed. We have reduced their options in traveling to rogue states and their allies. Privately, some former U.S. officials said the FBI has warned them not to travel to some countries, including some in Europe, where there is a risk of extradition to other nations interested in prosecuting them.
Experts say that the reason is simple.
Because we are the superpower. It would be dangerous for another country to do that economically, politically and otherwise. But he added that he was not concerned. I certainly don't worry. But North said that all it would take would be the slightest change in the political winds.