Testimony by soldiers begins in deaths of two Iraqis

[UpInArms]

http://newsobserver.com/news/story/2350625p-8728466c.html

CAMP LEJEUNE -- Minutes after shooting two Iraqis, 2nd Lt. Ilario G. Pantano bragged about leaving a sign over their bodies bearing the Marine slogan "No Better Friend, No Worse Enemy," according to a witness in a hearing to determine whether Pantano is court-martialed on charges of premeditated murder.

The sign was "like a death card," said Lt. Samuel Cunningham, a platoon leader whose unit was guarding a bridge about 1,000 yards from the killing site that day, April 15, 2004. "I told him it was inappropriate, and he should go back and get it."

Pantano, 33, a former film executive from New York, has been charged with two counts of premeditated murder in the deaths of the men, whom his unit stopped during a cordon-and-search operation in Mahmudiyah. According to written charges, Pantano ordered another Marine and a sailor to remove the handcuffs from Tahab Ahmead Hanjil and Hamaady Kareem, then told other servicemen to look away and shot the two Iraqis in the back with an M-16 assault rifle.

Cunningham testified Tuesday that he heard 45 to 50 shots. They came so quickly and smoothly, Cunningham said, he thought someone was firing a machine gun. About 30 minutes later, Pantano walked up and told him about the dead Iraqis and the sign.

...more...

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. npr said

the guy is using the defense that the Iraqis were attacking him, or making threatening gestures, so he fired. But if they were shot in the back, this whole defense comes apart.

[blogbear]

2. A 'few good men' or rotten apples?