Arraignment of US Soldiers in Iraq: Potential Guilty Pleas and International Implications

The arraignment of three US soldiers, including Sergeant Jeremy Sivits, in Iraq has sparked debate among legal experts who predict a guilty plea and a quick verdict. The soldiers are accused of stripping prisoners naked and humiliating them. Meanwhile, Iraq's most respected Shiite cleric, Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, has called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in two holy cities, but his plea has yet to be heeded. The development comes as reports emerge that Army officials attempted to restrict Red Cross inspections of Iraqi prisons in response to a report of prisoner abuse.

Key Takeaways:

• Three US soldiers, including Sergeant Jeremy Sivits, were arraigned in Iraq and are accused of stripping prisoners naked and humiliating them.
• Legal experts predict a guilty plea and a quick verdict in the case.
• The soldiers have the option to contest their court-martial, but none are expected to do so.
• The arraignment comes as the US-led coalition continues to face resistance from radical cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, who has called for Iraqi Shiites to come to Najaf and Karbala to protect holy sites.
• Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, the grand ayatollah, has urged a peaceful resolution to the conflict in the two holy cities.
• Reports have emerged that Army officials attempted to restrict Red Cross inspections of Iraqi prisons in response to a report of prisoner abuse.

Statistics:

• The US-led coalition has faced resistance from radical cleric Moqtada al-Sadr and his followers since the start of the conflict in Iraq.
• The Red Cross reported prisoner abuse at Abu Ghraib prison in October, prompting a response from Army officials in December.
• The arraignment of Sergeant Jeremy Sivits and the other two US soldiers is scheduled for June 21st.

Sources:

• NPR News, as reported by Steve Inskeep and Renee Montagne
• The New York Times, as reported by Peter Kenyon in Baghdad