Charges dropped against Haditha Marine

AP/Fox News:

An investigating officer has recommended dismissing murder charges against a U.S. Marine accused in the slayings of three Iraqi men in a squad action that killed 24 civilians in the town of Haditha, according to a report.

The government's theory that Lance Cpl. Justin L. Sharratt had executed the three men was "incredible" and relied on contradictory statements by Iraqis, Lt. Col. Paul Ware said in the report, released Tuesday by Sharratt's defense attorneys.

"To believe the government version of facts is to disregard clear and convincing evidence to the contrary, and sets a dangerous precedent that, in my opinion, may encourage others to bear false witness against Marines as a tactic to erode public support of the Marine Corps and mission in Iraq," Ware wrote.

...

The recommendation is nonbinding. A final decision about whether Sharratt should stand trial will be made by Lt. Gen. James Mattis, the commanding general overseeing the case.

It is the second time an investigating officer has recommended charges not continue to trial in the killings. In the case of Marine lawyer Capt. Randy W. Stone, the investigating officer recommended his dereliction of duty charge be dealt with administratively.

...


Two other Marines have not had their hearings yet. I think it is unlikely that Gen. Mattis will ignore the recommendation of dismissal. These Marines were in combat and under fire from an enemy that camouflaged himself as a civilian and also used human shields. What that means is that the enemy has already engaged in two war crimes before the Marines fire a shot. Any confusion over who was killed in those circumstances should weigh heavily on the enemy because the enemy is the one who put the civilians at risk.

People like Rep. John Murtha owe this Marine an apology for their rush to judgment in accusing him of "cold blooded murder." Murtha should be ashamed. His poor judgment on this case is a reflection on his poor judgment about the war in general.

Gateway Pundit has much more on the dropping of charges.

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