Marines charged over Iraq deaths

Eight US marines were today charged in connection with the kilings of 24 civilians in the Iraqi town of Haditha last year.

US military prosecutors charged four marines with murder and four others on related charges over the November 19 2005 deaths of unarmed civilians in the western Iraqi town.

Staff Sergeant Frank Wuterich, the squad leader, was charged with 12 counts of murdering individuals, plus one count of murdering six people by ordering marines under his charge to “shoot first and ask questions later” when they entered a house, according to charge sheets released by his defence team.

These are the largest criminal charges against any coalition armed services personnel to emerge from the Iraq war.

One of Sgt Wuterich’s lawyers, Mark Zaid, said the military charges served against his client do not allege premeditated murder and carry a maximum penalty of life in prison.

“The death penalty is not on the table,” Mr Zaid told Reuters.

Mr Zaid said his client has been charged in 12 individual deaths, adding that a 13th count involves the deaths of six people.

“I presume these are part of the 12, but it’s impossible for me to tell from the charge sheet if that’s the case.”

Agencies