(file photo) (CTK)
August 6, 2006 -- U.S. military prosecutors today began a hearing to decide whether to prosecute four soldiers accused of raping and killing a 14-year-old Iraqi girl and murdering three of her relatives.
The four could face the death penalty if found guilty of the March 12 attacks in Al-Mahmudiyah, south of Baghdad.
The hearing, taking place in Baghdad, is expected to last several days. Some of it will be held in secret, including some testimony from witnesses.
A fifth soldier, charged with failing to report the attacks, will be tried separately in a U.S. civilian court.
The rape-slaying case is the latest in a series of high-profile scandals involving the conduct of U.S. soldiers in Iraq.
(AFP, AP, Reuters)
The hearing, taking place in Baghdad, is expected to last several days. Some of it will be held in secret, including some testimony from witnesses.
A fifth soldier, charged with failing to report the attacks, will be tried separately in a U.S. civilian court.
The rape-slaying case is the latest in a series of high-profile scandals involving the conduct of U.S. soldiers in Iraq.
(AFP, AP, Reuters)