Swiss Investigate Whether Ex-Blackwater Employee Violated Mercenary Law

[babylonsister]

Swiss investigate ex-Blackwater employee

Swiss Investigate Whether Ex-Blackwater Employee Violated Mercenary Law

ANNA IMFELD
AP News

Nov 06, 2007 09:21 EST

Authorities are investigating whether a Swiss national who worked for the U.S. security firm Blackwater in Iraq broke a law barring citizens from working for foreign military services, an official said Tuesday.

The United Nations has called the use of private security guards by companies like Blackwater Worldwide a growing new form of mercenary activity, which is discouraged in international rules on the conduct of war. Blackwater Worldwide, which recently changed its name from Blackwater USA, was involved in the killing of 17 civilians in Baghdad two months ago.

The United States rejects the notion that government-contracted security guards of any nationality are mercenaries.

The Swiss military justice system started its probe in May, said spokesman Frank Zellweger. If the judiciary rules that employment for Blackwater constitutes military service, the man faces prison term of up to three years.

Zellweger declined to identify the man under investigation, citing the country's strict privacy rules. Swiss national television network SF1 referred to the man only as "Mike."

Zellweger confirmed details of the investigation, first reported by the Zurich daily Tages Anzeiger. That report said judicial authorities were alerted to the case by a television report in May about how the man had worked in Iraq and had since applied to join the French Foreign Legion.

more...

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/2007/11/swiss_investigate_exblackwater.php

[provis99]

1. aren't the Swiss Guards at the Vatican mercenaries?

Whats the difference? Being a mercenary for the Pope is ok, but not otherwise?

[babylonsister]

2. Last I heard, they aren't in the habit of mowing people down at the Vatican. nt

[yurbud]

3. they are actually doing what Blackwater claims they are doing: guard duty

[yurbud]

5. PICS: I would have no objection to Blackwater if they had to wear uniform of Swiss Guard and only

used their weapons:

[Robbien]

4. Investigate?

Does investigate for the Swiss mean the same thing it does here? Meaning, investigations are held when there is a need to stall and let the incident fade into memory.