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| Iraq-Jordan |
| Probe clears US marine accused of Iraqi prisoners' murder |
| 2005-05-15 |
| NEW YORK: A military probe has concluded that a US marine accused of killing two unarmed Iraqi prisoners should be cleared of all charges, US news media reported Saturday. Marine Second Lieutenant Ilario Pantano was justified when he shot the prisoners on April 15, 2004, a report from the investigating officer has found, according to New York Times and the New York Daily News. Prosecutors had claimed that Pantano, 33, a former Wall Street trader, executed the prisoners as they knelt with their backs turned. He faced a maximum penalty of death on charges of dereliction of duty and murder. But the government "was not able to produce credible evidence or testimony that the killings were premeditated" or even that the prisoners were shot in the back, Lieutenant Colonel Mark Winn, in charge of the investigation, wrote in his report. While Pantano used poor judgment, the shooting was not a crime and fell within the rules of combat in the Sunni Triangle area, Winn wrote. |
| Posted by:Fred |
| #5 A.P, would the authorities really allow the man's career to be affected by this -- given that he was aquitted? It doesn't seem fair! |
| Posted by: trailing wife 2005-05-15 21:27 |
| #4 LOL I should not comment at night afgter a few beer! 'That' should be 'Thank'. Not that my spelling is ant better this morning. Well off to fufill my obligation as a right-wing reigious nut, check back with you later. |
| Posted by: Cyber Sarge 2005-05-15 12:17 |
| #3 and fire the prosecutor that gave the accuser immunity |
| Posted by: Frank G 2005-05-15 09:45 |
| #2 Echo your sentiments, Cyber Sarge. Thank goodness this great Marine was cleared. However, his career is probably over. I hope that they go after the accuser for fabbing up this outrage. |
| Posted by: Alaska Paul 2005-05-15 02:05 |
| #1 That God common sense still has a place in the military. I suspected that this would be the outcome but you never know. One malcontent versus a distinguished officer, you do the math. |
| Posted by: Cyber Sarge 2005-05-15 01:25 |