I have a slightly longer version of this story on my e-mail. This is an excerpt from that.
Vela was held for 30 days in Kuwait without seeing a court-appointed lawyer, who then recommended by phone that Vela waive his right to an Article 32 hearing, the equivalent of a grand jury, to determine whether the case should go to court-martial.He agreed to waive it, but a civilian defense team hired by his father appealed the decision and won. Vela's defense team accused senior commanders, including Army Gen. Rick Lynch of the Multi-National Division Center, of obstructing his access to a fair trial.( LA Times)
My brother told me on Thursday there is $500 left in the Defense Fund.
If there is anyone out there who can help us, PLEASE visit this website,http://www.sergeantevanveladefensefund.org/, there is a mailing address in the "About" section for contributions. Evan really needs the help .
Why in the world would Evan’s JAG recommend waiving his hearing? Sometimes this happens once civilian attorneys are hired to save on attorney costs. But the JAG lawyer is supposed to be working for Evan, and is free. Did the JAG ever give an explanation as to his line of reasoning for his client?
That is absolutely terrible. Everybody is all up in a huff about Gitmo and other terrorist detainees getting the full protection of American court due-process while Evan gets treated worse than the enemy caught running a terror safe-house.
As for the brass who would rather railroad this guy to keep the PR quiet, they’re worse than despicable for not defending their own guy. Kick the JAG out of the military, chuck his veteran’s benefits, and court-martial Gen. Lynch.