US Soldiers Accused of Rape and Murder in Iraq

Strategic Insights -

During a US military hearing, it has been revealed that a group of US soldiers, accused of raping and murdering a 14-year-old Iraqi girl, Abeer Qassim al-Janabi, and her family, had been drinking Iraqi whisky mixed with an energy drink and playing cards before the attack. One of the accused, Specialist James Barker, has made a written statement detailing the graphic and brutal sexual assault. The soldiers' behavior on the day of the attack included hitting golf balls, drinking alcohol, and even grilling chicken wings afterwards. The case has sparked outrage and demands for changes to the agreement that exempts US soldiers from prosecution in Iraqi courts.

Key Takeaways:

  • Five US soldiers, including Specialist James Barker, Sergeant Paul Cortez, Private Jesse Spielman, Private Bryan Howard, and Sergeant Anthony Yribe, are accused of rape and murder in the town of Mahmudiya.
  • The soldiers had been drinking Iraqi whisky mixed with an energy drink and playing cards before the attack, according to Specialist Barker's statement.
  • The group heard gunshots during the assault and one of the soldiers, Private Green, declared, "They're all dead. I just killed them."
  • Specialist Barker claims that Private Green picked up the AK-47 and shot the girl once, paused, then shot her several more times.
  • The statement also reveals that the group set the girl on fire using kerosene and a lamp.
  • Private Justin Watt testified that Private Howard told him that Private Green, Sergeant Cortez, and Specialist Barker had planned to rape a girl and that Private Howard was to be the lookout.
  • Private Spielman passed a lie-detector test and denied shooting or having sex with anyone.
  • Former private, Steven Green, was discharged from the army for a "personality disorder" after the incident and was arrested in North Carolina in June on rape and murder charges.
  • The case has sparked demands for an independent investigation and changes to the agreement that exempts US soldiers from prosecution in Iraqi courts.

Statistics:

  • The alleged assault occurred on March 12, according to Specialist Barker's statement.
  • Five US soldiers are accused of rape and murder in the town of Mahmudiya.
  • The soldiers had been drinking Iraqi whisky mixed with an energy drink and playing cards before the attack.
  • The group heard gunshots during the assault.
  • Private Green declared, "They're all dead. I just killed them" after the shooting.
  • Specialist Barker claims that Private Green shot the girl once, paused, then shot her several more times.

Sources:

  • Guardian.co.uk, Baghdad (no date provided)