Abuse Hearings Moved From Iraq to Germany

[Barrett808]

Abuse Hearings Moved From Iraq to Germany
By DAVID DISHNEAU, Associated Press Writer

HAGERSTOWN, Md. - Pretrial hearings for four of the seven Army reservists charged with abusing Iraqi prisoners will be held later this month in Mannheim, Germany, the Army said Monday.

Defense attorneys will argue at those hearings that their trials also should be held outside Iraq, said Guy L. Womack, the civilian attorney for Spc. Charles A. Graner Jr.

Defense lawyers maintain it would be difficult for witnesses and families to attend trials in Baghdad, where most of the prison-abuse proceedings have been held.

"We intend to litigate a motion to change the venue either to Europe or the United States," Womack said.

He said hearings for Graner and Spc. Megan M. Ambuhl will be held in a military courtroom in Mannheim Aug. 23. Hearings are scheduled the next day for Staff Sgt. Ivan L. "Chip" Frederick and Sgt. Javal S. Davis, he said.

(more)

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20040809/ap_on_re_us/prison_abuse_hearings&cid=519&ncid=1480

[daleo]

1. Even the Green Zone isn't safe now?

All these signs, large and small, that the situation is completely out of control.

[bobbieinok]

2. Germany will doubtless be watching closely