Navy SEAL's murder trial delayed over defense claims of prosecutor misconduct
Source: Reuters
U.S. LEGAL NEWS MAY 22, 2019 / 6:15 AM / UPDATED 13 HOURS AGO
Navy SEAL's murder trial delayed over defense claims of prosecutor misconduct
Steve Gorman
4 MIN READ
SAN DIEGO (Reuters) - A judge in the court-martial of a decorated Navy SEAL charged with war crimes in Iraq said on Wednesday the trial would start at least a few days late as lawyers on both sides grappled over allegations that prosecutors illegally snooped on the defense.
The timing of the trial could be rendered moot in light of reports that President Donald Trump is considering offering a pardon to Special Operations Chief Edward Gallagher and other U.S. military personnel accused or convicted of battlefield atrocities.
Gallagher is charged with fatally stabbing a helpless, wounded Islamic State fighter in his custody and with shooting two unarmed civilians - a school girl and an elderly man - from a snipers perch during his 2017 deployment to Mosul, Iraq.
In addition to murder and attempted murder, Gallagher is charged with obstruction of justice for allegedly trying to intimidate his accusers into silence.
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https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-navyseal-warcrimes/navy-seals-murder-trial-delayed-over-defense-claims-of-prosecutor-misconduct-idUSKCN1SS11T