Military Keeps News Photographer Charges Secret
WGCL-TV
Sun November 18, 2007
BAGHDAD - The US military is planning to seek a criminal case in an Iraqi court against an award-winning Associated Press photographer. But the military is refusing to disclose what evidence or accusations would be presented.
An AP attorney today strongly protested the decision, calling the plans a "sham of due process."
The journalist, Bilal Hussein, has already been imprisoned without charges for more than 19 months.
A public affairs officer yesterday notified the AP that the military intends to submit a written complaint against Hussein as early as November 29th.
The complaint would bring the case into the Iraqi justice system.
Under Iraqi codes, an investigative magistrate will then decide whether there are grounds to try Hussein.
He was seized in the western Iraqi city of Ramadi in April of last year.
Military Says Violence Down
U.S. officials in Baghdad reported a 55 percent drop in violence in Iraq since the American troop buildup was completed early this summer.
Rear Adm. Gregory Smith said attacks in some areas are at their lowest levels in more than two years.
An embassy spokesman said it's too early to credit Iran's pledge to halt the flow of arms across its border into Iraq. But Smith said the trend seems to be in the right direction.
Army Maj. Gen. Mark P. Hertling, who also commands the 1st Armored Division, told Pentagon reporters via videoconference that attacks in his area of operations are higher than anywhere else in Iraq.
However, Hertling said there was "a marked reduction" in violence, particularly in improvised explosive device attacks.
Enemy forces planted 1,830 IEDs in June, he said. By October, that number had dropped to about 900. As of Monday, the November number was 520.
Attacks Continue
At least 29 people were killed in attacks across the country Sunday, authorities said.
Casualties include three children hit by a roadside bomb. They were gathered near U.S. soldiers distributing toys and sports equipment in a playground west of Baqouba.
Meanwhile, two U.S. security guards in a private security convoy have been detained by Iraqi soldiers after opening fire in Baghdad, Iraqi authorities said. Several other foreigners were also detained.
A government spokesman said the convoy was driving on the wrong side of the road in central Baghdad when the shooting occurred.
Iraqi security forces have been told to immediately intervene if they see any violations by security companies, he said.
The role of private security guards has become controversial following a September shooting in which Blackwater USA guards allegedly killed 17 Iraqi civilians.
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