Posted on 08/07/2006 6:08:31 AM PDT by twinself
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - A U.S. military court heard graphic testimony on Monday on how U.S. soldiers took turns to hold down and rape a 14-year-old Iraqi girl and murdered her and her family.
At the hearing into whether four U.S. soldiers should be court-martialled, a special agent described what took place in Mahmudiya based on an interview he conducted with Specialist James Barker, one of the accused.
The case, the fifth involving serious crimes being investigated by the U.S. military in Iraq, has outraged Iraqis and led Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki to call for a review of foreign troops' immunity from prosecution under Iraqi law.
Special Agent Benjamin Bierce recalled how Barker described to him how he went into the living room of a house and held the hands of the teenage girl while Sergeant Paul Cortez either raped her or attempted to rape her.
Barker then switched positions with Cortez and attempted to rape the girl but said he was not sure if he had done so, Bierce told the hearing.
He also said he was also told shots were heard from the bedroom and shortly afterwards Private Steven Green emerged from the room, put down his AK-47 assault rifle then raped the girl while Cortez held her down.
Bierce said Barker told him that Green then picked up the weapon and shot her once, paused, and then shot her several more times.
Military prosecutors are expected to set out their case against Private First Class Jesse Spielman, Barker, Cortez and Private First Class Bryan Howard, who face charges of rape and murder among others.
If court-martialled and found guilty, they could face the death penalty.
Green faces the same charges in a U.S. federal court in Kentucky, home of the 502nd Infantry Regiment, his former unit. Green, who has pleaded not guilty, was discharged from the army for a "personality disorder".
A fifth soldier, Sergeant Anthony Yribe, is charged with dereliction of duty and making a false statement and will also appear at the hearing at a U.S. base next to Baghdad airport.
Last time I checked, US soldiers do not carry the AK-47 (except, perhaps, as a war trophy).
Another reason to sack "The Army of One" crap and other feel good social engineering as well as coed training and begin background checks for anyone signing up for military service.
I never understood that. Just didn't get it this "one" thing. If these soldiers are found guilty, then yes, they deserve the death penalty.
Of course you're right, but being so "super-smart" they might have used a Kalashnikov to mislead possible investigations. These poor people's house wasn't far away from the US garisson. I hope they will reveal the truth and if they REALLY did it, their lives should be taken.
"Last time I checked, US soldiers do not carry the AK-47 (except, perhaps, as a war trophy)."
Yet, AK-47s are fairly available in that theater. I'd guess that someone wanting to disguise a murder might just use one, instead of his issue weapon.
This case is not over. Right now, they're just deciding whether to hold a court martial. As always, I will withhold judgment until the case is concluded.
Green, on the other hand, is not exactly what I'd call a stable person, based on articles about him.
We shall see. But the AK-47 thing is easily explained.
I will wait for the results of the invesigation before feeding them to the wolves.
OK it's your business. But sorry I can't help it - my blood is boiling only at the thought of any soldiers taking advantage of helpless women and children.
No psychological test will allow you to state that your group recruits is free of the week individuals and freaks.
Soldiers raping and killing are as old as civilization but the difference between an army and a horde is how they get punished.
Agreed completely.
But I don't like the thought of sacrificing soldiers on the altar of diplomatic relations (if they are innocent). Seen it happen once or twice before and it isn't pretty.
They are representatives of America in Iraq. And America should decide upon their fate. Of course every man deserves a fair trial but also most severe punishment if the court decides he's guilty in a case like this one. Especially a soldier - man of supposed honour and patriotic values.
While I recognize that we are only being fed the "anti-military" feed from MSM, I do hope that the crime was made up but if it happened the way it is being portrayed, there was not only one crazed psycopath, there were a bunch of them and this would not be their only crime.
Whether or not this story is true, it will be the plot of a new Sean Penn and/or Tim Robbins movie coming out next summer.
Again, agreed.
I'll join you if there is proof positive.
The time will show and we will get to know the details behind the scene and finally whether it was a made-up case or a shameful crime. In either case - be swift, Justice.
You mean one of these "Please don't kill me I'am human, too" leftist tearjerkers? Some other time, thanks.
".....how Barker described to him how he went into the living room of a house and held the hands of the teenage girl while Sergeant Paul Cortez either raped her or attempted to rape her.
Barker then switched positions with Cortez and attempted to rape the girl but said he was not sure if he had done so, Bierce told the hearing."
Is this in any way believable?
Good, 'cause innocent people were killed and their murders (no matter who) deserve punishment.
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