Army Captain Goes on Trial on Charges of Abusing Iraqis in Desert Town

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.kuna.net.kw/Home/Story.aspx?Language=en&DSNO=713446

FORT CARSON, Colo. (AP) - The trial of an Army captain accused of assaulting Iraqi civilians began Monday with a witness testifying the officer saw himself as a "sheik" or a "king" of the Iraqi desert town under his supervision.

Capt. Shawn L. Martin faces eight counts of assault and one count each of obstruction of justice and conduct unbecoming of an officer. Army officials say Martin faces 44 years in prison if convicted. snip

Prosecutors have also said Martin beat Iraqis with an aluminum baseball bat and once fired his pistol at the feet of an Iraqi suspect during an interrogation. snip

"He thought Ar Rutbah was his private domain," Lt. David Minor testified. Even before the unit arrived in Iraq, Martin thought he would be a "sheik" or a "king," Minor said.

more

[Judi Lynn]

1. Court-Martial Begins For Fort Carson-Based Captain

Court-Martial Begins For Fort Carson-Based Captain

Mar 14, 2005 11:00 am US/Mountain
FORT CARSON, Colo. (AP) A jury of seven Army officers has been seated at Fort Carson in the trial of a captain accused of assaulting Iraqi civilians.

Capt. Shawn L. Martin is charged with three counts of assault, five counts of aggravated assault, obstruction of justice and conduct unbecoming an officer.

Prosecutors contend Martin assaulted several civilians with a baseball bat he called an "Iraqi beater." He also allegedly forced an Iraqi civilian to dig what would've been his own grave, then fired a gun toward the man, but did not hit him.

Witnesses said Martin also transported Iraqis several miles into a blazing-hot desert and left them on their own to walk back to the city without food or water.
(snip/...)

http://news4colorado.com/crimeaccidentreport/local_story_073130322.html

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Posted on Mon, Mar. 14, 2005





Army captain faces accusations of abuse

ROBERT WELLER

Associated Press


FORT CARSON, Colo. - The trial of an Army captain accused of assaulting Iraqi civilians began Monday with a witness testifying the officer saw himself as a "sheik" or a "king" of the Iraqi desert town under his supervision.
(snip)

Lt. Joseph Heyman testified that after an Army vehicle was damaged by a bomb, he saw Martin point a gun at the head of an Iraqi detainee and shout, "What do you know about this? If you don't tell me, I swear I'll kill you."

Prosecutors have also said Martin beat Iraqis with an aluminum baseball bat and once fired his pistol at the feet of an Iraqi suspect during an interrogation.
(snip)

"He thought Ar Rutbah was his private domain," Lt. David Minor testified. Even before the unit arrived in Iraq, Martin thought he would be a "sheik" or a "king," Minor said.

Minor said Martin had told him that "all Iraqis were thieves and liars."
(snip/...)http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/local/11135130.htm
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Quite a difference in the two stories.

[uppityperson]

2. Wow, quite a difference in tone. Thanks for the combo. n/t

[GetTheRightVote]

3. There are more where this guy comes from, where are the higher ups ??

You know the ones who put out the orders for these actions.

:kick:

[OneBlueSky]

4. so if this guy gets court marshalled, what should the punishment be . . .

for the one who ordered the bombing of Fallujah and other civilian targets, who okayed the use of depleted uranium and other inhumane weapons, and who ordered the illegal (by US and international law) invasion of Iraq in the first place? . . . double secret probation? . . .

[NNN0LHI]

5. Excellent question n/t