Three U.S. soldiers refuse to plead to charges of abusing Iraqi prisoners

[Judi Lynn]

Three U.S. soldiers refuse to plead to charges of abusing Iraqi prisoners

DIANA ELIAS, Associated Press Writer Saturday, November 15, 2003

(11-15) 02:23 PST KUWAIT CITY (AP) --

Three American soldiers refused to plead Saturday to charges of abusing Iraqi prisoners of war, and will face separate court-martials in January, a military spokesman said.

"All three deferred to plea," Maj. Victor Harris told The Associated Press. "They will do it at the trial." (snip)

(snip) The three soldiers, Master Sgt. Lisa Marie Girman, 35; Staff Sgt. Scott A. McKenzie, 38; and Spc. Timothy F. Canjar, 21, are accused of dereliction of duty, cruelty and maltreatment of enemy prisoners of war, filling false official statements, obstruction of justice and conspiracy to obstruct justice.

A fourth soldier originally held on the same allegations, Sgt. Shawna Edmondson, 24, has received an other-than-honorable discharge from the military, which she requested rather than face martial proceedings. (snip/...)

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/news/archive/2003/11/15/international0416EST0452.DTL

[IndianaGreen]

1. "Saturday's arraignment at Camp Doha... was closed to the press"

Saturday's arraignment at Camp Doha, which is run by the Third U.S. Army, was closed to the press.

Why the secrecy? It is imperative that these proceedings are open to the press and public to minimize the chances of either a whitewash or a kangaroo court. The Bush regime loves secrecy!

[kimchi]

2. Nothing to see here, move along.

A fourth soldier originally held on the same allegations, Sgt. Shawna Edmondson, 24, has received an other-than-honorable discharge from the military, which she requested rather than face martial proceedings

THAT tells me she realizes her guilt. I know you are innocent until proven guilty, but I've got a feeling about this...