U.S. Army officials plan to file negligent-homicide and manslaughter charges against two Fort Carson-based military intelligence officers who allegedly suffocated an Iraqi general during an interrogation in November, The Denver Post has learned. Two other enlisted soldiers face dereliction-of-duty charges in the fatal interrogation, according to a Pentagon document obtained by the newspaper. Prosecution of the two officers would mark the first time service members involved in the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts have faced homicide-related charges in connection with the abuse of prisoners of war. Military experts say it could be the first such action in recent history. A decision on the case has moved slowly because the soldiers' commander, Col. David Teeples of the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, has "been reluctant to pursue charges" while military lawyers have favored prosecution, according to a Department of Defense source.
| Very long, rest at the link. |
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