Pentagon chief calls for removing prosecution of sexual assault from chain of command

[Judi Lynn]

Source: UPI

JUNE 22, 2021https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=forum&id=1228 / 11:36 PM
By Darryl Coote

June 22 (UPI) -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin announced Tuesday that he will recommend to President Joe Biden to remove prosecutorial powers over sexual assaults and related crimes from the military chain of command.

Austin announced he had decided to make the recommendation in a statement a day after receiving a report from the Independent Review Commission on Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment that had made the suggestion.

In order to remove the prosecution of such cases from the chain of command, Austin said military leaders will work with Congress to amend the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

"The IRC recommended the inclusion of other special victims' crimes inside this independent prosecution system, to include domestic violence," he said. "I support this as well, given the strong correlation between these sorts of crimes and the prevalence of sexual assault."


Read more: https://www.upi.com/Defense-News/2021/06/22/Defense-Secretary-recommends-removing-prosecution-powers-over-sexual-assault-cases-from-chain-of-command/3311624413623/?ur3=1

[Enter stage left]

1. About f'n time!

[bahboo]

2. good move...elections do matter...

[Laffy Kat]

3. Will they still get court martialled or will it be turned over to civilian prosecution?

[Sgent]

6. The military prosecutors

office will make the final call.

[Laffy Kat]

7. Thanks. nt

[Phoenix61]

5. Good to see domestic violence being included in this.

It was amazing how that never happened in officer families, just enlisted. That of course was absolute bs. The officers covered for each other.