Team Infidel
Forum Spin Doctor
San Diego Union-Tribune
October 16, 2008
CAMP PENDLETON: Prosecutors this week asked a military appeals court to reinstate charges against Lt. Col. Jeffrey Chessani, who is accused of not properly investigating the deaths of 24 civilians in Haditha, Iraq.
The case stems from a squad of Camp Pendleton Marines who killed the Iraqi men, women and children Nov. 19, 2005. The troops have said they couldn't avoid civilian casualties during a battle against insurgents, but prosecutors have said the killings amounted to a massacre carried out as reprisal for the death of a fellow Marine minutes earlier.
Chessani wasn't present during the incident, but he was charged with violating a lawful order and dereliction of duty because he didn't launch a full investigation into the killings.
In June, military Judge Col. Steven Folsom dismissed the case. Folsom cited conflict of interest, saying the general who approved the charges shouldn't have discussed the case with an officer investigating Chessani.
The prosecution is appealing that ruling in the Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeal. – R.R.
October 16, 2008
CAMP PENDLETON: Prosecutors this week asked a military appeals court to reinstate charges against Lt. Col. Jeffrey Chessani, who is accused of not properly investigating the deaths of 24 civilians in Haditha, Iraq.
The case stems from a squad of Camp Pendleton Marines who killed the Iraqi men, women and children Nov. 19, 2005. The troops have said they couldn't avoid civilian casualties during a battle against insurgents, but prosecutors have said the killings amounted to a massacre carried out as reprisal for the death of a fellow Marine minutes earlier.
Chessani wasn't present during the incident, but he was charged with violating a lawful order and dereliction of duty because he didn't launch a full investigation into the killings.
In June, military Judge Col. Steven Folsom dismissed the case. Folsom cited conflict of interest, saying the general who approved the charges shouldn't have discussed the case with an officer investigating Chessani.
The prosecution is appealing that ruling in the Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeal. – R.R.