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Four former Blackwater security guards were convicted Wednesday in the 2007 shootings of more than 30 Iraqis in Baghdad, an incident that inflamed anti-American sentiment around the globe and was denounced by critics as an illustration of a war gone horribly wrong.
The men claimed self-defense, but federal prosecutors argued that they had shown "a grave indifference" to the carnage their actions would cause. All four were ordered immediately to jail. A lawyer for one of them quickly said he expected to appeal.
The federal jury found Nicholas Slatten guilty of first-degree murder, the most serious charge in a multi-count indictment. The three other guards -- Paul Slough, Evan Liberty and Dustin Heard -- were found guilty of multiple counts of voluntary manslaughter, attempted manslaughter and gun violations.
The outcome after a summer-long trial and weeks of jury deliberation appeared to stun the defense.
They are mercenary's pure and simple. No ifs and buts.
Question -
In your opinion is it ok to use private contractors in the manner Blackwater was used - IE VIP protection in a war zone?
Do you think the guards should have been charged?
originally posted by: Xcathdra
Blackwater guards found guilty in Iraq shootings
Question -
In your opinion is it ok to use private contractors in the manner Blackwater was used - IE VIP protection in a war zone?
Do you think the guards should have been charged?
originally posted by: paxnatus
It is my understanding that some of the men (not these here) are former military and not paid mercenaries and operate as such according to Military code and not Private sector.
originally posted by: paxnatus
It is my understanding that some of the men (not these here) are former military and not paid mercenaries and operate as such according to Military code and not Private sector. Is that not the case? I will check with the person whom holds first hand information and see if I can add more.
A mercenary is a person who takes part in an armed conflict who is not a national or a party to the conflict and is "motivated to take part in the hostilities by the desire for private gain.
a person who takes part in an armed conflict who is not a national or a party to the conflict
motivated to take part in the hostilities by the desire for private gain
originally posted by: Xcathdra
In your opinion is it ok to use private contractors in the manner Blackwater was used - IE VIP protection in a war zone?
originally posted by: Xcathdra
Do you think the guards should have been charged?
originally posted by: crazyewok
So they are not working under the flag of a official government military and only there on behalf of a company
originally posted by: kelbtalfenek
The use of mercenaries has always made me angry. They cost too much and they don't have to "play" by the rules that the Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors and Marines have to abide.