BRIEF: US Marine Charged with Murder of Unarmed Iraqi Detainee

WASHINGTON, United States – As President Bush announced that the war in Iraq was a worthwhile and winnable endeavor on the fifth anniversary of the US-led invasion, Sgt. Ryan Weemer was charged with murder following incriminating admissions during a polygraph test for a position with the Secret Service.

Sgt Weemer is the third US marine to be charged in relation to a 2004 confrontation in Falluja during Operation Phantom Fury.  He is accused of executing a detainee who was being held by the US military in a vacant house in Falluja. 

II found guilty, Sgt. Weemer could spend the rest of his life in prison.  Sgt. Weemer has also been charged with the dereliction of duty.

Intense fighting occurred in Falluja between April and November 2004.  During this period of hostilities, human rights activists have charged that the US marines used chemical weapons, namely white phosphorous, against Iraqi fighters and civilians.

For more information, please see:

BBC – Iraq Murder Charge for US Marine – 19 March 2008

RadioFreeEurope – Iraq:  Bush Says War Still Worth Fighting – And Winning – 19 March 2008

The Independent – US Forces ‘Used Chemical Weapons’ During Assault on City of Fallujah – 8 November 2005