Iraq prison commander referred to court martial

Source: Reuters

Iraq prison commander referred to court martial
Reuters - 24 minutes ago

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - A former commander of a U.S.
detention centre holding officials loyal to Saddam
Hussein will face a general court-martial on charges
that include aiding the enemy, the U.S. military
said on Thursday.

Lieutenant-Colonel William Steele, former commander
of the 451st Military Police Detachment, was
investigated on nine charges, including aiding the
enemy by providing an unmonitored cell phone to a
detainee.

Steele was in charge of detention facilities at Camp
Cropper, near Baghdad international airport, where
insurgents and former senior aides to Saddam are held.

-snip-

Steele, detained in Kuwait in April, is also accused of
having an improper relationship with a translator,
providing unmonitored mobile phones to prisoners,
unauthorised possession of classified information and
keeping pornographic videos.

-snip-

Read more: http://uk.news.yahoo.com/rtrs/20070614/tpl-uk-iraq-prison-court-39349ed.html

After all What's a little water boarding of Islamics to improve morale

~snip~ The alleged incidents took place from October 2005 to February 2007, starting when Steele was commander of the 451st Military Police Detachment at Camp Cropper prison and in his later post as a senior patrol officer for the provincial transition team headquarters at nearby Camp Victory with the 89th Military Police Brigade.

At Steele's hearing in Baghdad last month, witnesses testified that the former commander approved buying Cuban cigars for Saddam, fraternized with a detainee's daughter, used his service pistol to intimidate tower guards and improperly stored classified information.

Saddam was held at Camp Cropper until he was hanged by Iraqi authorities in December.

The only other U.S. officer known to have been accused of collaborating with the enemy since the start of the Iraq war in 2003 was Capt. James J. Yee, a Muslim chaplain who was linked to a possible espionage ring at the military's Guantanamo Bay prison. He was eventually cleared and given an honorable discharge. ~snip~

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/06/14/africa/ME-GEN-Iraq-US-Soldier-Charged.php

Source: Reuters







Read more: http://wap.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/B611956.htm

He wasn't paying attention obviously, if he had tortured and humiliated the prisoners he would have gotten promoted!

Source: MNF Iraq

Steele arraignment set
Saturday, 16 June 2007

Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

MEDIA ADVISORY
Number: ADV20070616-01
June 16, 2007

Steele arraignment set
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

BAGHDAD — Arraignment proceeding for Army Lt. Col. William H. Steele
are set for 5 p.m. June 19, at the Victory Base Courthouse. Charges
were served on Lt. Col. Steele on 12 June 2007.

During this proceeding, the referred charges against Lt. Col. Steele
will be presented. Motions, pleas, and forum selection will likely be
deferred until a later session. No evidence or testimony will be
presented at the proceeding.

Media wishing to attend must contact the MNC-I Public Affairs office
no later than noon 17 June at (snipped).


Link: http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12349&Itemid=21

Source: MNF Iraq

Pleas deferred in Steele arraignment
Wednesday, 20 June 2007

Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20070620-13
June 20, 2007

Pleas deferred in Steele arraignment
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

BAGHDAD – Pleas were deferred to a later date at the June 19
arraignment for Lieutenant Colonel William H. Steele at the
Victory Base Courthouse.

Defense counsel Captain Yolanda D. McCray also moved for
Steele’s release from pretrial confinement. The government
through Trial Counsel opposed this motion. Military Judge
Lieutenant Colonel Richard O’Brien took evidence on the
motion and the matter is under his advisement. He is
expected to issue his decision within ten days.

Steele’s trial is scheduled to commence on August 15th.

-snip-

Read more: http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12433&Itemid=128