Crapo and Simpson Petition President for Vela Pardon

NBC News Channel 6 (KPVI) ^ | Posted: Dec 4, 2008 03:12 PM | KPVI Staff

[bigheadfred]

Senator Mike Crapo and Congressman Mike Simpson have taken their support of a local soldier to the next level. They're asking President Bush to pardon Sgt. Evan Vela. Vela was convicted in a general court martial in February for killing an unarmed Iraqi civilian. Crapo and Simpson maintain Vela was following the order of a superior during the incident.

In a news release issued Thursday Senator Crapo wrote, "The safety and success of our men and women in uniform would be seriously jeopardized if every service member was subjected to the same scrutiny for their actions during combat as in Sgt. Vela's case." Crapo added, "It is difficult to remain confident that local Iraqi influence did not affect the outcome of this case to Sgt. Vela's detriment." Crapo made those statements since Vela's case was held in Iraq while similar charges brought against other servicemen were tried in the states.

In the same news release Congressman Simpson wrote, "I've been to Iraq twice in the last four years and I know our servicemen face difficult and often confusing choices everyday on the battlefield. I am concerned that Sgt. Vela is shouldering the blame and playing the role of scapegoat for following orders throughout a series of tragic events that occurred during a time of war."

Vela was sentenced to ten years in the Fort Leavenworth prison. Both Simpson and Crapo also wrote letters asking for clemency during Vela's sentencing.

[4woodenboats]

Thanks!

[Lancey Howard]

BUMP!

[Girlene]

4wb, here's the thread where Lynch denying the motions to have Sgt Vela tested was discussed. Outrageious Cruelty, see info starting at post 52

[4woodenboats]

You’re amazing- Thanks again!

[Girlene]

No problem, 4wb.

[bigheadfred]

THE DAY THAT CANE BEAT ABLE