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The War Profiteers - War Crimes,
Kidnappings & Torture |
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January 21st,
2010 - Edmond Soldier’s Sentence Reduced |
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Edmond Soldier’s Sentence
Reduced Michael Behenna Convicted Of Killing Iraqi Detainee From KOCO.com January 21, 2010 Oklahoma City - A military
clemency and parole board has reduced the sentence for an Edmond soldier to
15 years confinement. Michael Behenna, 26, had
been sentenced to 25 years confinement in connection with the death of an
Iraqi detainee. In February 2009, a general
court-martial convicted Behenna of assaulting and murdering without
premeditation an Iraqi civilian. He was sentenced to be dismissed from the
Army, forfeit all pay and allowances and serve 25 years confinement. That
sentence had already been reduced to 20 years before Thursday's decision. Behenna's family contended
the disparity between his sentence and those adjudged in other cases for
similar offenses supported a reduction in his sentence. After reviewing his
file, the testimony of his family, and the comments of the Board members,
Behenna's sentence was reduced. Behanna's mother, Vicki
Behenna, who had argued her son's case before the board said the news was
good, though not exactly what she wanted to hear. "I'm grateful, grateful
that they had taken steps to reduce the sentence. Along with that, a little
disappointed," she said. "I mean we were hoping, maybe
unrealistically, that the board will suspend Michael's sentence, because the
appeal raises such significant issues." The board will review his
case annually to determine whether additional clemency and parole is
appropriate. Vicki Behenna said the
reduced sentence was a step in the right direction. "I won't stop until
Michael gets home," she said. Oklahoma's congressional
delegation said it will continue to press for due process in Behenna's case. “I appreciate the clemency
board’s review of the facts and circumstances of 1st Lt. Behenna’s case,”
said U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin. “This review is designed to ensure each of our
service members is given full and fair review of the facts surrounding their
case. We owe nothing less to our brave men and women in uniform than to be
certain due process is satisfied and justice is distributed in a fair and
equitable manner. As 1st Lt. Behenna continues his appeals process, I will
continue to monitor this matter to ensure his is provided every right under
the Uniform Code of Military Justice.” “I am grateful the clemency
board considered and reviewed Lt. Behenna’s case,” U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe said.
“I appreciate the Behenna family’s service to our country. Lt. Behenna could
not have had a stronger advocate than Vicki Behenna. She provided compelling
arguments on her son’s behalf. I am thankful to have been able to help in
this difficult process, and work with the entire Oklahoma delegation on this
matter. I will continue to follow this case.” External link: http://www.koco.com/news/22303637/detail.html |