UPDATE - Trump Pardons 4 Ex-Blackwater Guards Convicted In 2007 Baghdad Massacre
Faizan Hashmi Published December 23, 2020 | 07:10 AM
US President Donald Trump has granted full pardons to four former Blackwater contractors convicted in connection with the death of Iraqi civilians in 2007, the White House said in a press release
WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 23rd December, 2020) US President Donald Trump has granted full pardons to four former Blackwater contractors convicted in connection with the death of Iraqi civilians in 2007, the White House said in a press release.
In 2007, a group of Blackwater contractors escorting a convoy opened fire in Baghdad's Nisour Square, killing 14 unarmed civilians including two boys, ages 9 and 11, according to the Justice Department.
"Today, President Trump granted full pardons to Nicholas Slatten, Paul Slough, Evan Liberty, and Dustin Heard," the release said on Tuesday. "These veterans were working in Iraq in 2007 as security contractors responsible for securing the safety of United States personnel. When the convoy attempted to establish a blockade outside the 'Green Zone,' the situation turned violent, which resulted in the unfortunate deaths and injuries of Iraqi civilians.
"
The White House said that, on appeal, the DC Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that additional evidence should have been presented at Slatten's trial. Further, the release added, prosecutors recently disclosed that the lead Iraqi investigator involved may have been tied to insurgent groups.
In 2018, Slatten was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison for opening fire first in the Nisour Square massacre. The other guards initially were sentenced to 30 years in prison but the sentences were halved by a judge in September of 2019.
Trump also issued pardons to former Republican Congressmen Chris Collins and Duncan Hunter, who each pleaded guilty to fraud charges.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 26 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 26 April 2024
ICC Womens T20 World Cup Qualifier, Match 2: Ireland Women open with Comfortable ..
Robinson, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-1 up against Pakistan
Shahzeb Chachar to hold khuli kachehri on April 26
Heatwave amid Israel's aggression in Gaza brings new misery, disease risk
Tourism must change, mayor says as Venice launches entry fee
Court adjourns Judicial Complex attack case till May 17
Nasreen Noori’s book ‘Popatan Jahra Khwab’ launched
Wafaqi Mohtasib inspection team visits Excise and taxation office
AJLAC announces 5th Conference titled ‘People’s Mandate: Safeguarding Civil ..
Pak-US officials engage to enhance trade, investment ties
More Stories From World
-
United by grief, families of Boeing crash victims demand justice
23 minutes ago -
Microsoft expands its AI empire abroad
33 minutes ago -
China ready to work with Pakistan to promote practical cooperation under CPEC, GDI: Luo Zhaohui
33 minutes ago -
Nuggets push Lakers to brink as Embiid's 50 points lead Sixers over Knicks
43 minutes ago -
Man City in title groove as Arsenal face Spurs test
43 minutes ago -
Philippine settlement submerged by dam reappears due to drought
43 minutes ago
-
ByteDance says 'no plans' to sell TikTok after US ban law
1 hour ago -
Oil: 'Mother of corruption' in Venezuela
1 hour ago -
ECO General Secretary urges member nations to embrace cultural wealth
1 hour ago -
China warns Blinken over deteriorating ties in talks
2 hours ago -
Famine-threatened Sudan's 'race against time' to plant crops
2 hours ago -
Microsoft, Google earnings shine as AI drives revenue
2 hours ago