Military files first-ever murder charges against U.S. soldier in Iraq

PAGE TOOLS
	send-to-friend print-friendly version add to my morning paper respond to editors / author increase type size decrease type size
Sign up to receive NewStandard headlines and extras by e-mail weekday mornings! Your privacy is strictly respected.

Aug 1, 2004 - Although US forces are responsible for tens of thousands ofdeaths in Iraq since the March 2003 invasion began, Captain Rogelio M. Maynulet became the first American to face official charges of murder there. While the United States does not permit Iraqi courts to pursue indictments of US occupation troops, Maynulet faces a military court-martial in Germany.

Maynulet allegedly shot the victim, Karim Hassan, father of seven, after Hassan was already wounded in an assault on his vehicle by Maynulet's unit. An unmanned aerial vehicle happened to film the incident.

Hassan's brother, Qassim, told the Associated Press that Maynulet should receive the death penalty. He also believes witnesses and the family should be allowed to appear at Maynulet's hearing.

Capt. Maynulet told the Chicago Tribune he maintains his innocense and remains hopefull he will not be convicted. Meanwhile, Qassim Hassan told the AP he will not forgive Maynulet "until Judgement Day."

The investigating officer told Reuters that hearings are expected to continue in September.