Two Navy SEALs arraigned Monday on charges of mistreating a suspected Iraqi terrorist were buoyed by a public display of support outside Norfolk Naval Station, where they are scheduled to be court-martialed next month.
About 100 supporters, some from as far away as Texas, gathered outside one of the base's main gates to protest charges against three men. They carried flags and held signs reading "Save our SEALs" and "Is this America?"
There was no controversy inside the courtroom where Capt. Moira Modzelewski, a military judge, took less than an hour to formally arraign two of three accused commandos: Petty Officer 1st Class Julio Huertas and Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew McCabe.
McCabe, 24, was charged with assaulting Ahmed Hashim Abed by striking him in the midsection with his fist. He is also accused of dereliction of duty and making a false statement to the investigator who interviewed him about the alleged assault.
The detainee's name was blacked out in copies of charging documents, but Lt. jg Nicholas Kadlec, the lead prosecutor, read it aloud when he announced the charges.
The alleged assault took place at Camp Baharia, Iraq, on Sept. 1, Kadlec said. |