Ahmed Hashim Abed, who is said to have led the attack that resulted in the killing and mutilation of 4 Blackwater security contractors (2 of whom were former Navy SEAL) in 2004, suffered a bloody lip in captivity; and for that, 3 Navy SEALs faced charges in 2009 for failing to safeguard Abed’s health and well-being.
A six-man jury found Petty Officer 1st Class Julio Huertas, 29, of Blue Island, Illinois, not guilty of charges of dereliction of duty and attempting to influence the testimony of another service member. The jury spent two hours deliberating the verdict.
“It’s a big weight off my shoulders,” a smiling and composed Huertas said as he left the courthouse at the U.S. military’s Camp Victory on Baghdad’s western outskirts.
“Compared to all the physical activity we go through, this has been mentally more challenging.”
Huertas said he plans now to continue with his military career and “to go home and kiss my wife.”
Huertas was the first of three SEALS to face a court-martial for charges related to the abuse incident and the verdict was a major blow to the government’s case. All three SEALs could have received only a disciplinary reprimand, but insisted on a military trial to clear their names and save their careers.
A former fetus, the “wordsmith from nantucket” was born in Phoenix, Arizona in 1968. Adopted at birth, wordsmith grew up a military brat. He achieved his B.A. in English from the University of California, Los Angeles (graduating in the top 97% of his class), where he also competed rings for the UCLA mens gymnastics team. The events of 9/11 woke him from his political slumber and malaise. Currently a personal trainer and gymnastics coach.
The wordsmith has never been to Nantucket.
Thank God! The whole trial was bogus!!!!!
AHMED is lucky to be still alive with bloody lips;what if his own people would have done to him?same thing he done to thoses he kill….
Just another massive waste of time!! Is there anything else the Demorats can do to diminish our ability to defend this nation?? If there is I’m sure they will find it!!
Thank God.
Finally some good news!
Ditto. I’m glad these SEALS had the military bearing to push for court marshal(s) where they can have the charges against them adjudicated. The system is working. 1 down, 2 to go. I am sure there are some in the command that aren’t happy, but screw them! I’m sure the direct command is pleased and these SEALS will be vindicated forthwith. We shall all keep these fine men in our thoughts.
It is pathetic to watch the treatment of the Seals, or any uniformed soldier for that matter. War is hell and this bastard is lukcy to just receive a bloody lip.
As he goes back to his duty, I am
wondering whether he has doubts about serving, because this is no way to treat our heroes.