Family goes on offense to defend GI (MP accused of prison abuses)

[Barrett808]

Family goes on offense to defend GI
Web site, stickers back MP accused of prison abuses
By Douglas Holt
Tribune staff reporter
Published June 8, 2004

MOUNTAIN LAKE PARK, Md. -- While some families of soldiers accused of abusing Iraqi prisoners shun attention, the clan of Staff Sgt. Ivan "Chip" Frederick II has mounted a vigorous, homespun effort to defend him and generate public support.

They have created a Free Chip Frederick Web site (www.4law.co.il/fred11.htm) that pictures him in happier times with Iraqi children. They sell "Free Chip Frederick" T-shirts and car-window stickers.

Tacked to the outside of his father and stepmother's home in the Appalachian Mountains in far northwest Maryland is a "Free Chip Frederick" sign. When neighbors in this tightly knit community drive past, they honk and wave.

Frederick is one of seven military police officers accused of abusing Iraqi detainees in Abu Ghraib prison, the site of photographed actions that provoked international outrage, military investigations, congressional hearings and scalding words from President Bush.

But his family, like defense lawyers for other accused soldiers, say he is a low-ranking fall guy and that abuses were ordered or encouraged by superiors.

(more)

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/printedition/chi-0406080214jun08,1,5210672.story?coll=chi-printnews-hed

[Catfight]

1. Um...he knows better to follow illegal orders. No excuses. He's guilty,

he pays.

[Sabriel]

2. Free Chip Frederick?

I'll take one, if it's free. I assume he'll do what I ORDER him to, so it might be fun to have him around.
Sabriel