Two charges dropped against Abu Ghraib abuse 'ringleader'; trial to begin

[Judi Lynn]

Posted on Fri, Jan. 07, 2005


Two charges dropped against Abu Ghraib abuse 'ringleader'; trial to begin on remaining counts

T.A. BADGER
Associated Press

FORT HOOD, Texas - On the eve of the first trial stemming from the Abu Ghraib prison scandal, prosecutors dropped two charges against the soldier accused of being the ringleader of the abuse.

Charges of obstruction of justice and adultery were dropped Thursday against Spc. Charles Graner, of Uniontown, Pa. Capt. Steven Neill, a spokesman for the prosecution, would not say why they were dropped, only that it is usually done for evidentiary issues or strategic reasons.
(snip)

Graner, 36, faces up to 17 1/2 years in a military prison on charges of conspiracy to maltreat detainees, assault and committing indecent acts. He had faced up to 24 1/2 years before the other charges were dropped. Jury selection was to begin Friday morning. Opening statements were scheduled for Monday.
(snip)

Lawyers for the other Abu Ghraib defendants will be closely watching Graner's trial.

"If Graner is successful in his defense, then we've been assured that the prosecution will take an entirely different, enlightened position pertaining to our case," said attorney Paul Bergrin of Newark, N.J., whose client Sgt. Javal Davis is scheduled for trial in February.
(snip/...)

http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/news/10589801.htm
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[Nikepallas]

1. BUSHCO Justice is at work again.

[NYC]

2. He was going to implicate higher ups.

There's an article around here somewhere. If I find it, I'll be back with the link.

[NYC]

3. Graner may plead he followed orders from superiors. Link.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=1127103

[AllegroRondo]

4. NPR this morning

the prosecutor said they were trying to show 'a breakdown of discipline' in the unit. That usually means they are going after the officers next.