Canadian sniper cleared of desecrating al-Qaeda body

National Post ^ | February 8, 2003 | Stewart Bell

[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.

[VaBthang4]

You're slipping.

"the same way a Britney Spears thread might be bring out their sexual fantasies."

That's called projection. It happens when shallow minds talk [or in this case type] too much.

[steve-b]

some war crime apologists

What war crime? There was an accusation of a war crime, followed by a trial, followed (in this particular case) by an acquittal. That's how we do things here in the civilized world.

[Byron_the_Aussie]

Turn yourself in. Then, we'll talk.

To report a suspected phony: This is an epidemic - we get reports DAILY!! Please be patient with the process of investigation. The NETWORK's MISSION is education on the P.O.W. issue and maintaining the history of our Vietnam POWs and MIAs. Exposing phonies is an unexpected and sad result of attempting to complete the Vietnam bio project.

[swarthyguy]

>>Canadian soldiers desecrating enemy dead.

The guy was acquitted. So the 'desecration' 'war crimes' charge does not hold.

[Byron_the_Aussie]

...what war crime?....

The one shown in the photo.

[justshutupandtakeit]

I wouldn't even crap on one of those A-holes.

[steve-b]

Evidently the court examining the evidence did not find the photo to be convincing.

[Byron_the_Aussie]

...I wouldn't even crap on one of those A-holes...

Good!

Thanks for your support. :)

[Byron_the_Aussie]

..evidently the court examining the evidence did not find the photo to be convincing...

Where does it say that?

Steve, before you get too excited at the thought of a rematch with ol' By, I suggest you actually read the story.

[New Horizon]

It's probably the most horrific video I've ever seen...I'm sorry I ever watched it.

[VaBthang4]

He finally figured out the incompetence of his position concerning the decorated Canadian Sniper...he's abandoned that line off twisted logic...he has moved on to opposing our treatment of the 600+ Terrorists at GITMO.

[swarthyguy]

I agree with him about disagreeing with our treatment of the gitmo jihadis. I think we're being way too nice.

[VaBthang4]

WAIT ONE!

He's back on the first imagined offense.

[swarthyguy]

Jihadis should be thankful they have to deal the military and not with the civilians of the countries they have been killing.

[Byron_the_Aussie]

Let's compare Perry, to the Reverend John Weir Foote:

Citation 'At Dieppe on 19th August 1942, Honourary Captain Foote, Canadian Chaplain Services, was Regimental Chaplain with the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry. Upon landing on the beach under heavy fire he attached himself to the Regimental Aid Post which had been set up in a slight depression on the beach, but which was only sufficient to give cover to men lying down. During the subsequent period of approximately eight hours, while the action continued, this officer not only assisted the Regimental Medical Officer in ministering to the wounded in the Regimental Aid Post, but time and again left this shelter to inject morphine, give first-aid and carry wounded personnel from the open beach to the Regimental Aid Post. On these occasions, with utter disregard for his personal safety, Honourary Captain Foote exposed himself to an inferno of fire and saved many lives by his gallant efforts. During the action, as the tide went out, the Regimental Aid Post was moved to the shelter of a stranded landing craft. Honourary Captain Foote continued tirelessly and courageously to carry wounded men from the exposed beach to the cover of the landing craft. He also removed wounded from inside the landing craft when ammunition had been set on fire by enemy shells. When landing craft appeared he carried wounded from the Regimental Aid Post to the landing craft through heavy fire. On several occasions this officer had the opportunity to embark but returned to the beach as his chief concern was the care and evacuation of the wounded. He refused a final opportunity to leave the shore, choosing to suffer the fate of the men he had ministered to for over three years. Honourary Captain Foote personally saved many lives by his efforts and his example inspired all around him. Those who observed him state that the calmness of this heroic officer as he walked about, collecting the wounded on the fire-swept beach will never be forgotten.'

[justshutupandtakeit]

I didn't add " because he smells too bad."

Since I am not concerned with a dead body I would condone such activities only if it served the purpose of reducing the effectiveness of our enemies or increasing the effectiveness of us. The sacred part of a human is gone with death. Not being a materialist my only concern is if performing such an action demeans the living and diminishes their spirit.

[VaBthang4]

Yep.

Point blank...I would have zero problem with any US Soldier dropping a surrendering Al Qaeda or Taliban terrorist. 1-10,000....wouldnt bother me one bit. Other than the intel they could provide, they have no redeemable value in today's World.

I'd shake his hand and buy him dinner...and subtly mourn his not killing more. I dont like it but there are times when killing the enemy is the only way to defeat him. This is one of those times.

I dont make the rules in life, but I sure as heck aint gonna try and transpose some Liberal effeminate ideology [hiding under the guise of civility] over the top of them.

[Byron_the_Aussie]

..he finally figured out...he's abandoned...he has moved on to....

No, Vab. Still on the core issue; the treatment, of enemy dead.

You're the one that, by big-noting yourself with a fake military connection, has muddied the waters.

[Byron_the_Aussie]

..not being a materialist my only concern is if performing such an action demeans the living and diminishes their spirit...

...and is there any question, that it does?

[VaBthang4]

Haha...what...now you're taking the religious angle of approach? Thank you Holy Spirit. Fortunately your religious convictions [which I suspect is nothing more than humanistic dogma] dont apply to me. That wasnt even a nice try.