JLB
August 30th, 2006, 1:12:45 PM
http://www.cnn.com/2006/LAW/08/30/hamdaniya.ap/index.html
Defense lawyers say the troops are innocent and question the credibility of the Iraqis who reported the incident to U.S. authorities.
If convicted, the troops face the death penalty.
This week's hearings are part of an Article 32 probe, where an investigating officer will decide if there is probable cause to recommend bringing the defendants to trial. The decision rests with the convening authority, Lt. Gen. James Mattis.
The case might be a prelude to another trial, in which up to 12 Marines also based at Camp Pendleton may face murder charges in the deaths of 24 Iraqi civilians in the town of Haditha in November. Several of those Marines have hired attorneys.
Defense lawyers say the troops are innocent and question the credibility of the Iraqis who reported the incident to U.S. authorities.
If convicted, the troops face the death penalty.
This week's hearings are part of an Article 32 probe, where an investigating officer will decide if there is probable cause to recommend bringing the defendants to trial. The decision rests with the convening authority, Lt. Gen. James Mattis.
The case might be a prelude to another trial, in which up to 12 Marines also based at Camp Pendleton may face murder charges in the deaths of 24 Iraqi civilians in the town of Haditha in November. Several of those Marines have hired attorneys.