TMLC: A Victory for Marine LtCol Chessani

Chessani Case - Chessani Head Shot - Final ANN ARBOR, MI – Late this morning, the Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals sitting in Washington DC, released their unanimous decision upholding the dismissal of charges against Marine Lt. Col Jeffrey Chessani on the grounds of apparent Unlawful Command Influence. But the case may not be over yet.

For the last four years, LtCol Chessani has been investigated and prosecuted for his involvement in the so called “Haditha Massacre” – a massacre that never happened. A 22-year veteran, Chessani has served three tours of duty in Iraq. He served in the First Persian Gulf War and in Panama. At the time of the November 19, 2005 Haditha incident, he was the Battalion Commander of 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines (“The Thundering Third”) – one of the most decorated units in the history of the Marine Corps.

Richard Thompson, President and Chief Counsel of the Thomas More Law Center, observed, “LtCol Chessani, one of the most effective combat commanders we had in Iraq, was a made political scapegoat by the civilians in the Pentagon to appease the antiwar politicians and a liberal media. In fact, we now know that the story of the ‘massacre’ that prompted the Haditha prosecutions was a headline in a Time news article instigated by insurgent propaganda operatives.”

realized

I didn't seem to have any trouble , Smooth.

I have been told that Everyone is born right-handed.

But only the greatest overcome it.

Lefties of the world unite! Left is Right!

TMLC Update: March 18, 2009

Persecution of Marine LtCol Chessani May Continue; Government Has 30 Days to Appeal Decision

Chessani Case - Jeff and Alisssa 2 ANN ARBOR, MI – Late yesterday morning, the Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals sitting in Washington DC, released their unanimous decision upholding the dismissal of charges against Marine Lt. Col Jeffrey Chessani on the grounds of Unlawful Command Influence.

But rumors abound in military circles that the government is not done with the prosecution of this loyal Marine, considered by his superiors as one of the most effective combat officers in Iraq.

The Government has 30 days from the court’s decision (March 17, 2009) to decide if they will ask the court to reconsider their opinion, ask for an en banc decision from the entire Navy and Marine Corps Court of Appeals, or seek a petition for appeal to the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces (CAAF) – the next higher court. The Government could also decide to appoint a new convening authority to make an independent decision on whether to re-charge LtCol Chessani – essentially starting over.