Judge blocks retrial of war objector Watada

[unhappycamper]

Source: Army Times / Associated Press

Judge blocks retrial of war objector Watada

By Phuong Le - The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Oct 22, 2008 7:54:59 EDT

SEATTLE — The Army can’t retry a Fort Lewis-based Iraq war objector on several key charges because that would violate the soldier’s constitutional protection against double jeopardy, a federal judge ruled late Tuesday.

U.S. District Judge Benjamin H. Settle of Tacoma said the government could not retry 1st Lt. Ehren Watada on charges of missing his unit’s deployment to Iraq in June 2006 and for denouncing President Bush and the war.

To do so would violate Watada’s Fifth Amendment rights by trying him twice for the same charges, Settle held.

“He dismissed the heart of their case,” Watada lawyer Jim Lobsenz said. “We’re very pleased. It’s taken a long time.”

Read more: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/10/ap_warobjector_102208/

[Nambe]

1. This does not cover all charges. It is good news though.

[Supersedeas]

2. yeah, but the fact that the Bushies attempted a second trial says alot about Gates and crew

[gratuitous]

3. Constitutional protections? In war time?

What kind of socialist, terrorist-loving, activist liberal judge is going to let simple constitutional principles stand in the way of America's Global War on Terror?! Where's the "I'm mad!" guy from last week's McThuselah rally? He could talk some sense into this situation, you betcha.

[sinkingfeeling]

4. Yes, it has taken a long time and I'm glad of this decision.

[BunkerHill24]

5. Great News. K&R