Bales Charged With 17 Counts of Murder
On Friday, the U.S. military took a significant step in the case of Army Staff Sgt. Robert Bales, the American soldier accused of killing 17 civilians in Afghanistan on March 11, by formally charging him with 17 counts of murder, along with other alleged crimes.
On Friday, the U.S. military took a significant step in the case of Army Staff Sgt. Robert Bales, the American soldier accused of killing 17 civilians in Afghanistan on March 11, by formally charging him with 17 counts of murder, along with other alleged crimes. Although the turnaround time for this installment was relatively short, given the international sensitivity of Bales’ case, this is likely to be a long and involved legal process, as USA Today explains below. –KA
Dig, Root, GrowUSA Today:
Bales was also charged with six counts of attempted murder and six counts of aggravated assault, the U.S. military said in an announcement.
Bales is accused of slipping off a combat outpost in southern Afghanistan and slaughtering villagers as they slept.
He could face the death penalty if convicted, though the military has not executed anyone since the early 1960s.
The charges are an initial step in the military’s legal system. Next, Bales will face an Article 32 hearing, which is roughly equivalent to a civilian grand jury proceeding. If the charges hold up in that proceeding, he would face a general court-martial.
This year, we’re all on shaky ground, and the need for independent journalism has never been greater. A new administration is openly attacking free press — and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Your support is more than a donation. It helps us dig deeper into hidden truths, root out corruption and misinformation, and grow an informed, resilient community.
Independent journalism like Truthdig doesn't just report the news — it helps cultivate a better future.
Your tax-deductible gift powers fearless reporting and uncompromising analysis. Together, we can protect democracy and expose the stories that must be told.
This spring, stand with our journalists.
Dig. Root. Grow. Cultivate a better future.
Donate today.
Middle East
What did we think nearly 50 years of war and neglect was going to do to the country?
Middle East
What some in Joe Biden's administration appear to see as an opportunity to sideline Hezbollah is really a trap destined for failure.
TD Interview
A new book offers a personal and political history of Bush-era America and its imprints on the present.
Film
With unprecedented access to the Taliban, the documentary “Hollywoodgate” makes promises it can’t keep.
Wounds of War
Over the decades, the DoD has been responsible for the deaths of scores of civilians, but compensating those harmed has never been a serious priority.
Opinion
Where’s the headline-making outrage over the never-ending travesty of Gitmo?
You need to be a supporter to comment.
There are currently no responses to this article.
Be the first to respond.