Iraqis to Testify in Trial of G.I. Accused of Abusing Them

[Khephra]

Three Iraqi detainees who said they were abused by soldiers at the Abu Ghraib prison near Baghdad will testify against the reservist accused of being the ringleader of the group accused of misconduct, prosecutors said today after a jury was seated at the court martial.

The reservist, Specialist Charles A. Graner, Jr., 36, is the first soldier to face a contested trial in the abuse case that broke open last spring with the publication of photographs showing naked detainees piled in a pyramid, leashed and crawling, or forced to simulate sexual acts, and Specialist Graner and other military guards grinning and giving the thumbs-up sign alongside them.

A military judge said the lawyers' opening statements would begin on Monday.

On Thursday, prosecutors dropped four counts against Specialist Graner, which included accusations that he had committed adultery with a soldier at the prison, Pfc. Lynndie R. England, and had tried to coerce another soldier not to tell anyone that he had seen the abuse. Specialist Graner still faces a maximum of 17 and a half years in prison for charges of assault, maltreatment, dereliction of duty and indecent acts.

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/07/national/07cnd-trial.html

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

1. Is this guy just a patsy?

Was he just following orders? It would be amusing if this found its way back to Alberto Gonzales but I'm not holding out hope.

Even if the guy was following orders one is tought in the military that they do not have to follow an illegal order.

[Heddi]

2. It doesn't matter if he was following orders

he was committing torture against another human being(s). He's no patsy. He's guilty. As is Lyndie England, etc.

Just because "higher ups" authorized and encouraged it does NOT mean that those who participated are any less guilty, or can use the 'bbbbut they told me to" excuse (thank you, Neuremburg)

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

3. I think I made that point

Just wishful thinking I my part if Gonzales and Bush got indicted because of it. But it's not likely.

[TankLV]

4. How unamerican of them!

- oh wait....

[Tweed]

5. HA!

[gardenista]

6. kick for Khephra

[gardenista]

7. kick for Khephra

[NYC]

8. How can they drop charges of adultery

when it is supposedly on film, and has been admitted, and I believe she has given birth to Graner's child?

It was said he might blame superiors. I suspect that's why some of the charges were dropped.

[susanna]

9. kick

[Scout]

10. kick

[Scout]

11. kick