Federal jury acquits ex-Marine in Iraqis' deaths

[maddezmom]

Source: msnbc

Federal jury acquits ex-Marine in Iraqis' deaths
Verdict is the first time a civilian jury has weighed in on the law of war
RIVERSIDE, Calif. - A former Marine accused of killing unarmed Iraqi detainees has been acquitted of voluntary manslaughter in a first-of-its-kind federal trial.

The jury took six hours to find Jose Luis Nazario Jr. not guilty of charges that he killed or caused others to kill four unarmed detainees on Nov. 9, 2004, in Fallujah, Iraq.

Thursday's verdict marks the first time a civilian jury has determined whether the alleged actions of a former military service member in combat violated the law of war.



Read more: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26443458/

[Tempest]

1. The outcome was never in question

Americans are never ready to take responsibility for their actions outside of the country.

He should have been tried in Iraq under the new system of law.

[bluestateguy]

2. I don't know enough about this case to form a judgment

my principal objection, however, remains the decisions of the policymakers who decided to send this man to the Iraq War in the first place.

[superconnected]

3. Jury acquits former Marine in killing of Iraqis

Source: AP

RIVERSIDE, Calif. - A former Marine accused of killing unarmed Iraqi detainees was acquitted of voluntary manslaughter Thursday in a first-of-its-kind federal trial.

The jury took six hours to find Jose Luis Nazario Jr. not guilty of charges that he killed or caused others to kill four unarmed detainees on Nov. 9, 2004, in Fallujah, Iraq, during some of the fiercest fighting of the war.

The verdict left the 28-year-old defendant in tears. His mother, family and friends cried so loud the judge smacked his gavel in a call for order.

"It's been a long, hard year for my family," Nazario said outside the courtroom. "I need a moment to catch my breath and try to get my life back together."

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080828/ap_on_re_us/marines_fallujah

[Stump]

4. Sounds like there was very little eidence...

Can't say I disagree with the decision.

[atreides1]

7. That's Evidence

And it didn't help that two other Marines refused to testify.

[scarface2004]

5. what is this?!

is there no justice?!

[hack89]

6. Beyond a reasonable doubt is the standard

and that's the way it should be. Sounds like the evidence was weak.

alleged crime in which there were no bodies, no identities and no forensics.