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March 21, 2006
We Hold Our Breath (Not) for Sentencing
So, Sgt. Michael J. Smith has been found guilty of his handling of the dogs vis-a-vis the detainees. What do you think are the chances of him getting a sentence that would deter anyone?
While jurors agreed with prosecutors that Smith improperly allowed his dog, Marco, to get close to detainees while barking and growling, they found Smith not guilty of seven of the original 13 charges against him; the judge also threw out one of the 13 charges. The panel rejected the government's argument that Smith conspired with other military police soldiers who have previously been convicted of abuse at the prison. Jurors also found him not guilty of using his dog to abuse two other detainees -- one of whom was shown naked and cowering from military working dogs in one of the most recognizable photos of abuse at Abu Ghraib.
We should hear about the sentence pretty soon. I'll post an update.
Posted by zeynep at March 21, 2006 09:38 PM