28 U.S. GIs Face Afghan Abuse Cases

Up to 28 U.S. soldiers face possible criminal charges in connection with the deaths of two prisoners at an American-run prison in Afghanistan two years ago, the Army announced Thursday. The most serious potential charges include involuntary manslaughter and maiming, the Army said in a statement. Its announcement marked completion of a nearly 2-year-old investigation into the deaths. The Army's Criminal Investigation Division recommends various charges against the 28, with some facing more serious charges than others. So far, only one person, a military police reservist, has actually been charged in connection the deaths. Sgt. James P. Boland of the Army Reserve's 377th Military Policy Company, based in Cincinnati, was charged Aug. 23 with assault and dereliction of duty. For the other 27, their commanding officers will make the final call on whether they face a court-martial, administrative discipline or no disciplinary action. The deaths, in early December 2002, were ruled homicides by U.S. military medical examiners. [more ]