Haditha Marine cleared of murder charges will challenge prosecution

Defend Our Marines ^ | February 28, 2008 | Nathaniel R. Helms

[RedRover]

Welcome aboard, amom!

[jazusamo]

Welcome from me too, amom!

[RedRover]

And I heard from Mrs. S. that she just mailed Justin his suit so he'll make a good impression. Of course, his hair has grown a bit since Fall, so he may need a fresh cut...

[baa39]

Let’s not forget Sergeant Vela, another soldier who needs our defending, a young husband and father (see my tag line).

Until these cases, I was completely supportive of the war in Iraq, or anywhere the U.S. needed to go to kill and capture terrorists. However, when our rank-and-file troops are made into scapegoats, persecuted for following orders or defending themselves in a complex war situation, actually just properly carrying out their training, I really begin to wonder if our country has the “moral high ground”...?

These persecutions of our troops have shocked me more than any other stupid thing our government has done since 9/11.

[RedRover]

Absolutely, Evan is never far from our thoughts. Love your tagline and your homepage!

ALL: The family has established a new website: PARDON EVAN VELA. Please stop by when you can.

[StarCMC]

Four officers were charged with a cover-up after Pennsylvania Congressman John Murtha, the powerful Democrat who chairs the Armed Forces sub-committee, accused the Marine infantrymen with cold-blooded murder and their officers of covering up the massacre. Two of the officers still face prosecution for dereliction of duty and other offenses.

[baa39]

When (please God) they are all cleared, then can we try Congressman Murtha for treason?

We need a law that no Democrats be allowed on the Armed Services Committee. It’s too much of a threat to national security.

[Eagles6]

I've thought that before. There is no proof that Marines killed anyone in houses 1-3. They could just as easily have been offed by the bad guys for propaganda.

I was watching a tape of the frontline piece last night for the first time. McGirk is just the slimey little worm that I imagined he was. I can see why he was such a big hit at the taliban thanksgiving.

[Marine_Uncle]

Hopefully Justin’s testimonies shall convince the JAG his team mates are innocent of all charges leveled at them.

[amom]

Thanks to the both of you for that warm welcome.

[Diver Dave]

A great tactical move by the defense.

[RedRover]

Love that picture!

[RedRover]

I trust it’ll pay off bigtime.

[LS]

I don’t understand: I always thought that immunity provided by the PROSECUTION was only granted when the prosecution thought the testimony would help ITS case. How does this help the prosecution????

[RedRover]

The government grants immunity--not the prosecution. The water is muddy, however, since the government is also bringing the case, and the prosecution works for them.

The request for immunity for Justin Sharratt was made by the defense in a motion hearing. The prosecution may have opposed the motion, I'm not sure. In any event, the request was approved by the US Attorney's office and the Convening Authority in the case, MG Helland.

For the process to be just, the government must be seeking truth and justice--not simply convictions. Had the government denied immunity for Sharratt (and Cpl Salinas who was also granted immunity as a defense witness), it would be a clear cause for appeal.

[freema]

Ping

[Lancey Howard]

BUMP!

[ronnie raygun]

Where’s fat bot Murtha? at the all you can eat buffet?

[LS]

Good explanation.

[RedRover]

Not sure how interested in the details, but just in case...

Here are the documents granted immunity:

• MG Helland

• US Attorney's office