US Marines in Iraq charged 24 civilians are charged

Eight American Marines on Thursday were charged with the murder of 24 peaceful Iraqi in the city of El Hadit in November 2005. This is the largest criminal case, initiated for the murder of peaceful Iraqi citizens with American soldiers.

It is reported that four military personnel are accused of unintentional murder. Four more officers who were not present at the crime scene - in negligence in the investigation of murders and the reports of the death of civilians, ITAR -TASS reports.

The most severe accusations - 12 people and orders for the execution of another - put forward against the platoon commander of the marine infantrymen, 26 -year -old Sergeant Frank Waterich. The investigation believes that 12 people killed himself, and another was killed on his personal order "to shoot first, and then ask questions."

It should be noted that the murder of the Iraqis was committed on November 19, 2005, when Waterich participated in the patrol of the marine infantry units as a senior in rank. According to investigators, after committed murders, a non-commissioned officer lied to his commanders that 15 Iraqis were killed by an explosion.

In fact, the first explosion led to the death of Corporal Miguel Terrazas, after which the patrol began to comb the area. When a white car with four or five passengers was discovered nearby, who ignored the demand of the soldier to stop, fire was opened to defeat. After that, the sergeant killed several civilians during the sweep of nearby houses. Then, from the roof of the house, he shot another alleged Sobstan.

At the place of study, VUTERICH is characterized as a responsible student, a jazz lover and the head of the acting circle. The accused is married and has two daughters.

Since the beginning of the military campaign in Iraq in 2003, about 20 US troops found themselves guilty or have already been sentenced by the court to various terms for the murder of civilians committed in this country.