
US gives immunity to guards who killed 17 Iraqis
MERCENARY guards who killed 17 Iraqi civilians when they opened fire on traffic in a busy Baghdad square last September are likely to escape trial or prosecution because of loopholes in US law.
The Blackwater private security firm employees facing indictment by a federal grand jury were given immunity by the US State Department when their company was hired four years ago to escort convoys and provide bodyguards for diplomats.
Despite pressure from the US military to have all security contractors brought under the same rules of engagement as soldiers, Blackwater's special deal is likely to make bringing the alleged culprits to court "difficult".
The security company has repainted all of the vehicles involved, removing potential evidence indicating whether they had come under attack.
Blackwater insists its guards returned fire after being shot at, although no weapons were found on any of the civilian victims at the scene.
The Iraqi government has demanded a full investigation, criminal charges where appropriate and the ending of Blackwater's work in the country.
Human Rights First, a leading US campaigning group, said that existing laws are sufficient to bring prosecutions, despite State Department interference.
They issued a report claiming that failure to bring contractors to account for civilian deaths was the result of a lack of political will by the White House and infighting between US government departments.
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Posted by: Jim, Glasgow on 1:14pm Mon 21 Jan 08
I can't say any more than the fact that the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave have absolotely no shame.
I can't say any more than the fact that the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave have absolotely no shame.
Posted by: Steafan on 1:58pm Mon 21 Jan 08
The Free and the Brave are all on reservations, or are long gone. It's only the takers that are left.
The Free and the Brave are all on reservations, or are long gone. It's only the takers that are left.
Posted by: Rob on 2:31pm Mon 21 Jan 08
Hooray for our freedom-loving allies! Labour voters, these are the people your party of choice wants us to cuddle up to. Take note.
Hooray for our freedom-loving allies! Labour voters, these are the people your party of choice wants us to cuddle up to. Take note.
Posted by: Ribbons, >$< on 5:55pm Mon 21 Jan 08
"We couldn't make up our minds; they said practice makes perfect, then again nobody's perfect. Now what?"
"We couldn't make up our minds; they said practice makes perfect, then again nobody's perfect. Now what?"
Posted by: Curious, California on 6:03pm Mon 21 Jan 08
Unless you personally accept full responsibility for all actions taken by the UK Government or its employees and are prepared to submit yourself for whatever punishment is deemed proper, do not blame the people of a country for the actions of its Government. If you wish to condemn the US Government for the actions of its employees, feel free to join with the millions of US citizens who do so already.
Unless you personally accept full responsibility for all actions taken by the UK Government or its employees and are prepared to submit yourself for whatever punishment is deemed proper, do not blame the people of a country for the actions of its Government. If you wish to condemn the US Government for the actions of its employees, feel free to join with the millions of US citizens who do so already.
Posted by: John Blackley, Florida on 11:02pm Mon 21 Jan 08
Let me add my suport to Curious and beg for a little perspective from the contributors in the UK.
I do not blame everyone in the UK for Britain's role in Afghanistan and Iraq. Neither do I blame everyone who voted for Labour. In my eyes, the blame for the UK's actions in those theatres lies squarely with those who made the decisions.
I am one of - I am certain - a large number of residents of America who are heartsick at the actions of our government - both here and abroad. When I see like-minded individuals in the UK blaming me and the rest of the US population for the actions of our government, my sorrow is increased by the ignorance of my one-time fellow countrymen.
Let me add my suport to Curious and beg for a little perspective from the contributors in the UK.
I do not blame everyone in the UK for Britain's role in Afghanistan and Iraq. Neither do I blame everyone who voted for Labour. In my eyes, the blame for the UK's actions in those theatres lies squarely with those who made the decisions.
I am one of - I am certain - a large number of residents of America who are heartsick at the actions of our government - both here and abroad. When I see like-minded individuals in the UK blaming me and the rest of the US population for the actions of our government, my sorrow is increased by the ignorance of my one-time fellow countrymen.
Posted by: Joe McT, BlairsFantasyIsland on 11:26pm Mon 21 Jan 08
Seems that Blackwater's "immunity" covered even Murder.
But as you would expect the neoCons who run the US Government look after their own.
To the USA, an Iraqi life is obviously worth nothing.
Seems that Blackwater's "immunity" covered even Murder.
But as you would expect the neoCons who run the US Government look after their own.
To the USA, an Iraqi life is obviously worth nothing.
Posted by: Rob on 6:01pm Tue 22 Jan 08
I don't see anyone blaming ALL Americans for the actions of it's government, military and mercenaries. But you have to take responsibilty for things you could have prevented by acting differently. That applies to us too. We shouldn't have reelected Labour, and we have other people's blood on our hands because of this.
I don't see anyone blaming ALL Americans for the actions of it's government, military and mercenaries. But you have to take responsibilty for things you could have prevented by acting differently. That applies to us too. We shouldn't have reelected Labour, and we have other people's blood on our hands because of this.
Posted by: bill on 8:30am Wed 23 Jan 08
They are members of Bush's neocon gang. Of course they are above the law, as are all the other criminals including Blair and Brown.
The rule of law has been suspended until further notice.
They are members of Bush's neocon gang. Of course they are above the law, as are all the other criminals including Blair and Brown.
The rule of law has been suspended until further notice.
