Former Blackwater Guards Heading To Federal Court

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Posted: 12:51 PM Jan 6, 2009
Last Updated: 12:51 PM Jan 6, 2009

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Five security guards who worked for North Carolina-based Blackwater Worldwide are heading to federal court.

The five men are scheduled to appear in a Washington courtroom today. They are expected to plead not guilty to charges of
manslaughter in a shooting that killed at least 14 Iraqi civilians.

Moyock-based Blackwater protects State Department diplomats in Iraq. But the September 2007 shooting in Baghdad drew outcry from
Iraqis, who demanded that Blackwater be banned from the country.

A sixth Blackwater guard has pleaded guilty. Radio logs indicate that the guards repeatedly reported incoming gunfire from insurgents and Iraqi police, casting doubt on prosecutors' claims that the shootings were unprovoked.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Reality Location: NC on Jan 7, 2009 at 04:50 AM
I respect your opinions. Having spent 15 months in Anbar Province, most of the Iraqi citizens are good people. The problem is when gunfire erupts, it is very difficult to know where the enemy is. I made myself a promise, and that was not to die, defend my brothers and sisters, no matter what the cost. Being dead sucks.I will never consider myself a hero, but you cannot fathom what it is like having bullets, mortars, rockets, etc. whizzing over your head. War sucks, but someone must pay the price. I met many Blackwater personnel, and ALL were good people doing their jobs. Again, I respect your opinion, but you cannot comment on something you know nothing about. It is my hope that one day the world will embrace peace, and we all come together to ensure our children NEVER go to war. Take care.

Posted by: No War Location: The World on Jan 6, 2009 at 05:04 PM
Maybe if these mercenaries we not there in the first place "defending freedom and democracy" in an illegal war to begin with, possibly none of this would have happened. And as far as killing Iraqis, there are not enough of our so-called "heroes" being prosecuted. Start at the top and work your way down.

Posted by: Clifton Location: Washington on Jan 6, 2009 at 03:59 PM
Well I am going to post this again. What good does it do to send our men/women to the battlefield if they are not allowed to protect themselves?? The Iraqi's want Blackwater banned and The US Military kicked out. Imagine that! I sure wish there was a way of knowing how many Iraqi's have been in court for killing OUR PEOPLE. OH WAIT! This just in......no Iraqi's have been punished for killing American people. They just receive and good ol' pat on the back and are told ----better luck next time.

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