The ACLU has just released the results of its latest FOIA into the dark side of the war on terrorism. This installment concerns civilian deaths in Iraq and Afghanistan. Read the documents here. “Here I am, locked in a room with a guard, for what is said to be my own protection. Been here three days now. I don’t know what you know or if I can even tell you but I’ve failed to do what I’ve always been about and what you have taught me . . . standing up for what is right. Had I done that, this mess would be non-existent.” — Letter from a U.S. Marine involved in the death of Hashim Awad to his family.
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This Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) file involves the death, by U.S. Marines, of Hashim Awad, a 54-year-old disabled Iraqi male national. In the early morning hours of April 26, 2006, Marines arrived at Awad’s home, pulled him from his home, shot him by the side of the road, planted an AK-47 and shovel on him next to a partially dug hole to make it appear as though he was an insurgent caught burying an Improvised Explosive Devise, and then left. The Marines initially tried to cover up the incident. However, after an investigation the story was revealed. At a series General Courts Martial the following convictions were returned: one Marine was found guilty of Conspiracy to Commit Kidnapping and Kidnapping; three Marines were found guilty of Conspiracy to Obstruct Justice and Assault; one Marine was convicted of Conspiracy to Kidnap and Murder to include Willfully and Wrongfully Seize and Carry Away Awad Against his Will; one Marine was convicted of Conspiracy to Kidnap, Larceny, and Housebreaking; and one Marine was convicted of Conspiracy to Kidnap, False Official Statement, Premeditated Murder, and Larceny.