Wednesday, May 04, 2005

BREAKING: Leash girl's guilty plea tossed

A military judge on Wednesday threw out Pfc. Lynndie England's guilty plea to prisoner abuse at Abu Ghraib, declared a mistrial, and threw out her plea agreement, saying he was not convinced that she knew her actions were wrong at the time. Unknown at this time whether they'll try her again.

Best detail (from a CNN story):

Leaving court on Tuesday, Graner handed out a written statement saying he found England's guilty plea "upsetting" but hopes it will bring her an easier sentence. England, however, appeared resentful toward Graner. As the courtroom sketch artist, Pat Lopez, was drawing him, England leaned over to her and said, "Don't forget the horns and the pitchfork."

Earlier:

Abuse pix had 'legitimate' purpose, says Abu Ghraib ringleader

Testimony in the sentencing phase of the Lynndie England court martial was abruptly halted today after Sgt. Charles Graner, who was testifying on behalf of England, said the infamous photos of abuse had a "legitimate" use -- to train other guards.

England pleaded guilty to seven abuse charges, but the testimony of Graner -- who was involved in a sexual relationship with England in the prison -- could undermine her plea. The judge in the case, Col. James Pohl, admonished England and her lawyers: "If you don't want to plead guilty, don't. But you can't plead guilty and say you're not guilty. ... You can't have it both ways."

In other war hero news, the Washington Post reported today that Army officials hushed up details about the friendly fire death of Pat Tillman, the former NFL player who was lionized for giving up a lucrative football career to serve as an Army Ranger, until a patriotic memorial service could be nationally broadcast.

Documents ... show that officers made erroneous initial reports that Tillman was killed by enemy fire, destroyed critical evidence and initially concealed the truth from Tillman's brother, also an Army Ranger, who was near the attack on April 22, 2004, but did not witness it.


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