Posted on 09/26/2005 7:04:21 AM PDT by Valin
FORT HOOD, Texas (AP) - Prosecutors say Pfc. Lynndie England willingly abused prisoners at Abu Ghraib prison in 2003. Her attorneys argue that she suffered from depression and was a heedless participant in the abuse. A jury of five Army officers was set Monday to hear both sides during closing arguments and begin deliberating on whether England is guilty of abusing Iraqi detainees. England, 22, is charged with seven counts of conspiracy and abuse that carry a maximum sentence of 11 years.
Her trial is the last for a group of nine Army reservists charged with mistreating prisoners at Abu Ghraib. Two others have been convicted, including reputed ringleader Charles Graner Jr., and the remaining six made plea deals.
Prosecutors used graphic photos of England to support their contention that she was a key member of the group of abusers. They included one of England holding a naked detainee on a leash and pointing to other prisoners in humiliating poses.
The defense team argued that England suffered from depression and that she has an overly compliant personality, making her a heedless participant in the abuse.
Xavier Amador, a clinical psychologist from New York, testified Friday that England's behavior was guided by Graner, who was described by other guards as the dominant personality in their part of the prison.
"It was very much like a little kid looking to an adult for what to do and what not to do," Amador said.
England and Graner had a romantic relationship while they were deployed. England has said that Graner, now serving a 10-year sentence, fathered her young son.
Two former U.S. guards at Abu Ghraib testified last week that Graner dominated England.
Graner, called as a defense witness, would say only that England was generally compliant and trusted him, and that she had no reason to believe he would do anything "illegal or inappropriate."
Prosecutors tried to paint Amador as a professional defense witness who tailored his testimony to benefit England.
Maj. Jennifer Lange, an Army psychiatrist called by prosecutors to rebut Amador's testimony, said on the stand that she interviewed England and found no evidence of depression or other personality disorders.
the poor waif was just soooooo depressed - you can see it in the pics.
the pics when she was bring the big shot that is.
she was like so bummed that she just couldn't stop gigling, cantcha see?
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