|
The War Profiteers - War Crimes,
Kidnappings, Torture and Big Money |
|
July 3rd,
2008 - 2 Marines who Refused to Testify in Fallouja Killings are Released |
|
2 Marines who Refused
to Testify in Fallouja Killings are Released By Tony Perry Los Angeles Times July 3, 2008 A federal judge Thursday
ordered two Marines released from jail despite their refusal to testify
before a grand jury probing the alleged killing of four Iraqi prisoners by
Marines during the battle for Fallouja in late 2004. U.S. District Judge Stephen
Larson in Riverside said that Sgt. Jermaine Nelson and Sgt. Ryan Weemer are
still in contempt of court, but that keeping them behind bars was futile.
Their lawyers had argued that they would never testify before the grand jury,
which in particular is looking at the actions of former Sgt. Jose Nazario. Nelson and Weemer face
charges in military court relating to the alleged killing of prisoners. Both
had expressed concern that their testimony could be used by military
prosecutors. Nelson also refused to testify because Nazario saved his life in
Iraq. Nazario faces manslaughter
charges in federal court. He was no longer on active duty when the Fallouja
investigation began. By law, the U.S. attorney has authority to charge
ex-military personnel for alleged crimes committed during their service. Weemer had been in the San
Bernardino jail since June 12, Nelson since June 24. Nelson had earlier spent
eight days in jail before being released by a judge in Los Angeles. Joseph Low, Nelson's
attorney, said Larson should be praised for taking into account "the service
that these Marines have given to their country." The jailing of the two had
infuriated some active-duty and retired Marines. External link: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-marines4-2008jul04,0,5161226.story |