InfoAnda - US attorneys visit Iraqis in Blackwater shooting

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Russia accuses U.S. envoy of arrogance over missile shield comment | | 4 April 2012
Hong Kong bird flu outbreak could be due to smuggled eggs: industry | 11 December 2008
Brittany Snow to star in "Gossip Girl" spinoff | 27 February 2009

Venezuela struggles with refinery blaze after deadly blast | | 27 August 2012

">Forum Views () ">Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : US attorneys visit Iraqis in Blackwater shooting

Navigation Primary Navigation Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Secondary Navigation Africa Europe Latin America Middle East North America Search Search: US attorneys visit Iraqis in Blackwater shooting By QASSIM ABDULZAHRA,Associated Press Writer AP - Sunday, December 14 BAGHDAD - U.S. prosecutors visited on Saturday the site of last year's shooting that left 17 Iraqis dead in a Baghdad square and briefed victims' families about the case against Blackwater Worldwide guards indicted in the deadly incident. Five Blackwater guards were indicted this week on manslaughter and other charges for their alleged roles in the Sept. 16, 2007 shooting in Nisoor Square. A sixth guard reached a plea deal with prosecutors to avoid a mandatory 30-year prison sentence. "The aim of our visit is to meet the families of the victims and explain the charges that have been filed in the United States and to make ourselves available to any questions they might have," U.S. prosecutor Kenneth Kohl told reporters in a brief statement at the police headquarters just off the square. The shooting in heavy traffic at the central traffic circle sparked international condemnation, launched U.S. congressional hearings and inspired anti-American insurgent propaganda. The case fueled Iraqi anger over what they perceive as heavy-handed behavior by private security contractors, who enjoyed blanket immunity from prosecution under Iraqi law. U.S. investigators linked Blackwater Worldwide guards to 70 shooting incidents involving civilians before Nisoor Square and only two since then. A new U.S.-Iraqi security pact lifts security guard immunity, although it will be retained for on-duty American troops and contractors working with them. Witnesses and an Iraqi investigation said the shooting on Nisoor Square was unprovoked. But Blackwater _ the largest U.S. security contractor in Iraq _ has said the guards were acting in self-defense after they were ambushed. During a private meeting, Kohl repeatedly pressed Iraqi police commander Lt. Gen. Hussein al-Awadi on whether any Iraqi policemen opened fire that day _ presumably against the Blackwater guards, according to those who attended the talks. Al-Awadi insisted that no policemen opened fire, the attendees said on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to media. Kohl thanked the Iraqi police for their help and for helping tamp down public outrage over the killings. He said the U.S. investigation, which involved 250 interviews over several months, determined the shooting was unjustified and he was determined to prove it in court. "People are people, as human beings," al-Awadi replied. "And the law is the law." Al-Awadi said U.S. and Iraqi forces had blocked a second Blackwater Worldwide convoy from reaching the square after the shooting erupted. "My husband was looking for a job at the square that day. When he reached the square, the security members killed him," said Milad Khalil, whose husband Odai Ismael was killed in the incident. "My two girls need money to cover the elementary school expenses." Adel Jabr, who was wounded at Nisoor Square, said he wants punishment for the guards and compensation for his suffering. "I have undergone several surgeries including skin grafts," he said. "I am spending most of time lying in bed. I have a family to feed, but I cannot work. We want to be treated the same way that U.S. citizens are treated." Younis Khudhair Abbas, whose uncle and cousin were killed at the square, said family members were told not to discuss details of the meeting because their comments might be used by the defense. "We asked to be sent to America to attend the trial. We also asked for compensation," Abbas said. "After meeting with the prosecutors, we became more hopeful of good results and we got the feeling that the American administration is honest." But Wisam Rahim, who was wounded on the square, said the guards should be executed. "Blackwater vehicles and helicopters were firing at us. I demand that these guards be executed. We want to see justice done," he said. The five men have been charged with 14 counts of manslaughter, 20 counts of attempted manslaughter and one count of using a machine gun to commit a crime of violence. The machine gun charge, typically used in drug cases, carries a 30-year minimum prison sentence. The Blackwater guard who struck a deal pleaded guilty to killing one Iraqi and wounding another. Iraqi investigators found that 17 Iraqis were killed in the assault. Assistant Attorney General Patrick Rowan said earlier this week that evidence in the case could only prove the guards shot 14, although he left open the possibility of future charges. The Moyock, N.C.-based company Blackwater Worldwide was not charged in the case and has said it stands behind the guards despite being "extremely disappointed and surprised" that one had pleaded guilty. Email Story IM Story Printable View Blog This Recommend this article Average (0 votes) Sign in to recommend this article » Most Recommended Stories » Related Articles: World HUD nominee pioneered innovative affordable homesAP - 1 hour 5 minutes ago Disgraced Illinois governor weighs legal optionsAP - 1 hour 34 minutes ago Cuba's Raul Castro in Venezuela, 1st foreign tripAP - 1 hour 43 minutes ago Nichols sentence may lead to death penalty changesAP - 1 hour 45 minutes ago Illinois corruption: deep roots, tough to weed outAP - 1 hour 56 minutes ago Most Popular – World Viewed US carmakers mull options as White House vows aid US Treasury ready to stave off auto sector collapse Nobel laureates crown U2's Bono 'man of peace' Italian investor group formally takes over Alitalia Greek youth protest switches to scene of teen killing View Complete List » Search: Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular

Other News on Sunday, 14 December 2008
Mumbai gunman seeks legal aid from Pakistan officials: police
Miss World pageant starts with an African beat
Protester killed during Indian Kashmir voting
Solo Italian rower rescued off Australia after 10-month journey
The top 10 rock albums of 2008
Mumbai gunman's chilling confession sheds light
Thai ex-PM warns of 'interference' in democracy
British PM to visit India
Mumbai gunman's confession sheds light on attack
India pressed to share Mumbai evidence with rival
Will Smith: It's all about helping others
Russian crowned Miss World 2008
Speaker of Parliament Tarmugi to visit Egypt from Dec 14—19
Singapore Grand Prix wins Promoter of Year Award
NATO: Forces kill 4 civilians in Afghanistan
Russian blonde named new Miss World
Dubai Film Festival auction raises 1.8 mln dlrs for AIDS
Top Vienna restaurant Palais Coburg to close by January
548 officers from Army, Navy and Air Force commissioned on Saturday
China's inflation to weaken further in December
RPT-UPDATE 4-N.Korea threatens nuclear disablement slow down
British PM arrives in India ahead of talks with Singh
Bach letters uncovered in German university archives
British PM visits UK troops near Afghan front line
Mumbai gunman's confession sheds light on massacre
India Bharti sees 3G launch in 6 mths of allocation
US troops to stay in Iraqi cities after June
US attorneys visit Iraqis in Blackwater shooting
Coconuts cover Rio beach in protest on violence | International |
Kasparov forms opposition group to 'dismantle' Putin regime
Gates warns US adversaries not to test Obama
Greek youth protest switches to scene of teen killing
Fortis bank, saved from collapse, again on shaky ground
Sporadic violence erupts in Athens week after killing | International |
Russian warships visit Cold War ally Nicaragua | International |
Security Council mulls joint US-Russian initiative in support of Mideast peace
Russia crowned Miss World 2008 in African event
Pakistan says Indian warplanes violated airspace | International |
Rich and powerful top Madoff's fraud victims: report
Raul Castro visits nephew Chavez on first trip | International |
World’s fastest off—track car, Ariel Atom, to be sold in Singapore
Turkmens vote in election with little choice | International |
Obama taps NYC's Donovan as housing secretary
Thousands flee fighting in Sudan oil flashpoint | International |
Carter predicts improved US-Syria relations
White House weighs options for auto bailout
US storm leaves a million without power
Challenges remain for Amazon digital music service | Technology |
Banks conduct thorough financial "check—up" on applicants for home loans
Obama chooses Shaun Donovan as housing secretary
Music stars' digital strategies still in flux | Technology |
Italy launches Milan-Bologna high-speed train link | Technology |
Russia to attend OPEC summit
Former reject singer wins Britain's top TV show
Alexandra Burke wins 'X Factor' crown
Chile opens museum of Pinochet memorabilia
British PM visits UK troops near Afghan front line
Police smash illegal video disc syndicate, 11 arrested
Thai protest group issues warning on new premier
Malaysia's last witness to 1948 massacre calls for justice
Thailand tense on eve of crucial PM vote
Rower rescued off Australia after 10-month journey
No easy fix for US newspaper industry
Mumbai gunman's confession sheds light on massacre
Indian PM to meet Britain's Brown in wake of Mumbai attacks
Commander: Troops to stay in cities past deadline
British PM Brown, Singh meet to discuss terrorism
Beijing holds anti-terrorist drill
3 Canadian soldiers killed in southern Afghanistan
46 shoppers hurt in Hong Kong acid attack: report
Afghan neighbours and allies to meet in Paris
China, Japan, SKorea to tackle financial crisis
Egypt's first woman mayor takes role in her stride
Pakistan downplays alleged India airspace breach
Taiwan, China to launch direct shipping links
China finalizing plan to compensate milk victims
Frazzled financial types find crisis relief at Frankfurt fight club
British PM Brown, Singh meet to discuss terrorism
Indian activists in Malaysia launch protest fast
3 Canadian troops killed in Afghanistan -- death toll, 103
Queen Elizabeth II reins in extravagance as credit crunch grips
Ireland takes high-stakes gamble with EU poll re-run
Actress Jennifer Aniston appears naked in GQ magazine
European Parliament negotiators approve climate deal
Wait and worry for US autoworkers as White House weighs options
European Parliament negotiators approve climate deal
Turkmenistan holds key vote as officials vow 'openness'
2 Volkswagen plants to suspend production in China
British PM visits Pakistan after Mumbai attacks
S.Korea sets 10.6 pct rise in 2009 total spending
Two Hong Kong pilots sacked for takeoff try: report
Security clampdown for Indian PM's Kashmir visit
China to step up bank lending in 2009 amid crisis: government
China to increase supply of money to boost economy
3 Afghan police killed in Kandahar bomb blast
'Decoupling' turns to myth as India growth story stumbles
Pakistan, India row over 'violation' by fighter jets
Tourist arrivals plummet in Vietnam as global downturn bites
Export trade hit by Mumbai attacks: businesses
Legoland theme park to open in Malaysia: officials
As China slams on brakes, commodity countries left reeling
22 Australians charged over child pornography
NKorea warns on nukes after talks collapse
Japanese, Chinese leaders lock horns over territory
India urges Pakistan to follow up recent raids
Israel keeps Gaza sealed off after rocket fire
British PM Brown to press Pakistan on terror fight
South Africa's Clark wins Australian Open golf tournament
Intense air strikes as Sri Lankan troops move to take Tiger HQ
Americans drive less despite easing gasoline prices
Parliamentary vote in gas-rich Turkmenistan
Indian PM wants normalized relations with Pakistan
Decision on allowing cycling on Tampines footpaths expected after Jan 31
ZoukOut party draws record crowd of over 26,000
Bangladeshi parents told to free daughter: court
Beijing stages terror drill after Mumbai attack
Daughter of Myanmar ex-dictator released
Pakistan downplays alleged India airspace breach
80,000 needy elderly to benefit with expansion of medical subsidy scheme
Thailand's Democrat Party ready to regain power
US Senator serves military duty in Afghanistan
Temasek Poly in training tie—up to start courses in specialised 3D content
Tampines flea market helps homemakers and the needy earn income
Britain promises more anti-terror aid to Pakistan
At least 51 killed in Egypt bus crash
Tens of thousands mass in Gaza for Hamas anniversary
Britain's Brown blames Pakistan militants over Mumbai | International |
Strauss, Collingwood give England cricketers big lead
U.S. troops may be in Iraqi cities beyond next June | International |
Somali president sacks prime minister | International |
Bomb blast kills 3 policemen in Afghanistan | International |
India denies any violation of Pakistani airspace | International |
US Ambassador slams Mugabe regime's greed
North Korea ups border punishments after Kim's illness | International |
Parents return passport to Bangladeshi doctor
Thai opposition Democrats favored to win PM vote | International |
Sri Lankan military: Battle kills 2 Tamil rebels
U.S. to build cyclone shelters in Bangladesh | International |
South Africa ANC uses apartheid-style intimidation: rivals | International |
Gunmen abduct Filipino businessman, school officer
New Zealand recession to last to mid-2009
Gunmen abduct businessman in southern Philippines
PM Lee in Doha to sign milestone FTA between S’pore and GCC countries
Toyota to shelve capital spending plans, cut bonuses: reports
Teen rapper Soulja Boy building hip-hop empire | Entertainment |
Alexandra Burke wins Britain's 'X Factor' crown
Strauss opera strong musically
Parliamentary vote starts in gas-rich Turkmenistan
Emotional Brunei ceremony for Aussie WWII vets: witness
Gamba beat Adelaide in Club World Cup quarter final
Russian crowned Miss World 2008
SKorea leader predicts new NKorea talks under Obama
Britain promises more anti-terror aid to Pakistan
Chateau d'Yquem wine sale cancelled
Pakistan, India speak of improving relations
Number of litter bugs issued CWO up nine—fold in past two years
60 parents turn up for second parental matchmaking session
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph	VPN on MacOSX	BlogMeter 1.01