Posted on 02/08/2003 10:11:24 AM PST by Clive
A Canadian sniper up for the Bronze Star medal for his combat role in Afghanistan has been cleared of allegations he desecrated the body of a dead al-Qaeda fighter, the Defence Department said yesterday.
Military investigators lacked evidence for charges against Master Corporal Arron Perry and another Canadian, following allegations soldiers cut the finger off an enemy combatant and staged a "trophy" photo of the body.
The investigation also examined claims a soldier defecated on a second body. Master Cpl. Perry had been suspended pending the outcome of the probe, but was returned to duty yesterday in Edmonton.
"After a thorough investigation by the National Investigation Service, the evidence wasn't sufficient to support charges in that case," said Captain Mark Giles, a Department of National Defence public affairs officer.
Master Cpl. Perry, a member of Edmonton's 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, said he was relieved the investigation had concluded.
"I'm glad finally it's done," he said.
The sniper was part of a small group of Canadian soldiers who directly engaged the Taliban and al-Qaeda during a tour in Afghanistan. He has been credited with helping save soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division pinned down by enemy fire in Shah-i-Kot Valley.
The Canadians' sharp-shooting on al-Qaeda machine-gun nests and mortar positions were chronicled in Soldier of Fortune magazine. U.S. commanders have since recommended the snipers for Bronze Stars recognizing heroic or meritorious service.
But a few weeks after that triumph, Master Cpl. Perry was sent home under a cloud of suspicion. Allegations surfaced in mid-March that he had interfered with a body and there were reports of a photograph showing a dead enemy fighter with a cigarette in his mouth and a small sign on his chest reading "f--k terrorism."
But the investigation centred on claims a soldier had taken a finger from the body.
"The photos, while being perhaps inappropriate, that was not the main focus of the investigation. The main focus was the allegations of interfering with the dead body," Cpt. Giles said. "It's as much moral as it is legal. We always want dead bodies, whether they be enemy or friendly, to be treated with dignity."
Military investigators dug up the corpse and searched tents at the Canadian military base, seizing a knife. DNA tests were conducted to see if the knife could be tied to the body, but no link was established.
"Guilty of what? taking a crap on a dead jihadi getting a little head from an employee during working hours, cutting off a finger lying to the whole nation about it? Big Deal!
Neither did you, otherwise, why congratulate them on switching the knife?
LOL!!
That's the second time you've attempted to lecture a Combat Marine about military mentalities way outside your realm of comprehension.
HAHAHA...does anyone else see this the way I do[?]. Man, that's rich.
We got some real gems on this thread! HAHAHA!!!
There may be a lot of cultures spread out throughout the world where the mutilation and desecration of the body of a dead enemy is acceptable under certain circumstances, or maybe even commonplace, or where honor killings may be the norm rather than the rule. That's not the case in this culture, and the sort of actions that you consider "no big deal", run completely against the grain of society.
It's not OK.
I'm not saying that these soldiers did anything, they stood trial and were acquited, but the line of thinking that would excuse off similar behavior is unacceptable.
Actually, that's what you seem to be doing.
The law also states you are not to go over the speed limits on the highways. The law also states you are not to impose any law counter to the constitution of the US. But we all break the laws now don't we. And a portion of "we" support whole heartedly lawbreakers don't we?
So, I guess it is easier to railroad this kid for beaking the "law" than focus and railroad our elected officials for breaking bigger "laws" isn't it?
My point is, there are a LOT bigger fish to fry than this kid. The amount of emotion on this thread tells me, "we" have a long way to go...
SR
If you are caught, you are punished.
"The law also states you are not to impose any law counter to the constitution of the US."
And when the Courts find that to be the case, the law is struck down as unconstitutional.
"But we all break the laws now don't we."
And when we are caught, we are punished in accordance to the law.
"And a portion of "we" support whole heartedly lawbreakers don't we?"
What does that mean exactly?
"So, I guess it is easier to railroad this kid for beaking the "law" than focus and railroad our elected officials for breaking bigger "laws" isn't it?"
"My point is, there are a LOT bigger fish to fry than this kid. The amount of emotion on this thread tells me, "we" have a long way to go."
So, unless you bust the cartel, don't bust the guy selling crack cocaine to Junior High kids?
It isn't always perfect, but it's the law.
I just happened by Byron at a time when you put Pete, the Canadian and William Calley in a sentence in an obvious attempt at slandering two of the three.
I haven't found any intellects on FR that would intimidate me from saying my piece when I feel like it and you aren't an exception.
However speaking of sidelines, it seems to me that relative to veterans, that's exactly the position you occupy.
I probably agree with some of your positions regarding enemy KIA but that doesn't prevent me from recognising bs when I see it and the Calley gambit was bs.
However, I won't let the doorknob hit me in the ass since I am a latecomer to this thread. Later Byron.
Are you? or did the state just get another 50 bucks in the kitty?
"The law also states you are not to impose any law counter to the constitution of the US."
And when the Courts find that to be the case, the law is struck down as unconstitutional.
Ya, right...
"But we all break the laws now don't we."
And when we are caught, we are punished in accordance to the law.
...in accordance with the current mood. Let's keep it in proper perspective.
"And a portion of "we" support whole heartedly lawbreakers don't we?"
What does that mean exactly?
Ummmmm....well, basically, I do not see our "Famed" republicans doing a bangup job in rolling back all the damage the Clinton Administration did to our "Laws". Infact, I do not know of one thing the republican majority has done to restore proper law to the system???
"So, I guess it is easier to railroad this kid for beaking the "law" than focus and railroad our elected officials for breaking bigger "laws" isn't it?"
"My point is, there are a LOT bigger fish to fry than this kid. The amount of emotion on this thread tells me, "we" have a long way to go."
So, unless you bust the cartel, don't bust the guy selling crack cocaine to Junior High kids?
No. If you see someone sellin' dope to a highschool kid, shoot first and ask questions later IMHO. But, if someone is selling dope to an adult, go after the Cartel. Perry, did not cut the finger off of a highschool kid.
It isn't always perfect, but it's the law.
You're right here... I think our fight for perfection should be found elsewhere...
SR
Elaborate abit...I'm not seein' your drift...
SR
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