Team Infidel
Forum Spin Doctor
Washington Times
September 17, 2008
Pg. 2
Defense attorneys for Blackwater Worldwide are trying to head off Justice Department charges against bodyguards involved in the deadly shooting of 17 Iraqi civilians exactly one year ago.
Three people close to the investigation say that in a meeting with prosecutors Tuesday, Blackwater's legal team outlined legal and factual reasons why the Justice Department would lose at trial if the guards are indicted.
Prosecutors agreed to take Blackwater's argument into consideration, but did not indicate whether they would continue to pursue charges or drop the case.
The three people spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the ongoing investigation.
Justice Department spokesman Dean Boyd declined to comment.
For months, a federal grand jury has been investigating the fatal shooting of the civilians, including several young children, in Baghdad's Nisoor Square on Sept. 16, 2007. As few as three bodyguards have been targeted for prosecution, according to lawyers close to the case.
September 17, 2008
Pg. 2
Defense attorneys for Blackwater Worldwide are trying to head off Justice Department charges against bodyguards involved in the deadly shooting of 17 Iraqi civilians exactly one year ago.
Three people close to the investigation say that in a meeting with prosecutors Tuesday, Blackwater's legal team outlined legal and factual reasons why the Justice Department would lose at trial if the guards are indicted.
Prosecutors agreed to take Blackwater's argument into consideration, but did not indicate whether they would continue to pursue charges or drop the case.
The three people spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the ongoing investigation.
Justice Department spokesman Dean Boyd declined to comment.
For months, a federal grand jury has been investigating the fatal shooting of the civilians, including several young children, in Baghdad's Nisoor Square on Sept. 16, 2007. As few as three bodyguards have been targeted for prosecution, according to lawyers close to the case.