Pardon sought for sgt. in murder of Iraqi

[unhappycamper]

Pardon sought for sgt. in murder of Iraq
The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Dec 5, 2008 15:25:27 EST

BOISE, Idaho — Two Idaho Congressional leaders have sent letters to President George W. Bush asking him to pardon an Idaho soldier convicted earlier this year of unpremeditated murder while on a mission in Iraq.

Sen. Mike Crapo and Rep. Mike Simpson, both Republicans, sent the letters earlier this week.

Sgt. Evan Vela, a 24-year-old Army sniper, was convicted in February and sentenced to 10 years in prison for killing an unarmed Iraqi civilian who stumbled upon him and five other soldiers sleeping on May 11, 2007.

Simpson in his letter says he’s concerned Vela is being treated as a scapegoat.

Crapo says Vela’s conviction creates “uncertain and dangerous operational environments for commanders and soldiers involved in day-to-day combat missions.”


Article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/12/ap_soldierpardon_120508/%2e