Date set for evidence in photographer case

[unhappycamper]

Date set for evidence in photographer case
The Associated Press
Posted : Thursday Nov 29, 2007 9:55:58 EST

BAGHDAD — The U.S. military has set Dec. 9 as the date on which it will submit evidence against an Associated Press photographer to the Iraqi judiciary system, an American official said Thursday.

The move would be the first legal step in initiating formal charges against photographer Bilal Hussein, who was seized in Ramadi on April 12, 2006. Hussein, 36, has been imprisoned without charge ever since.

Navy Capt. Brian J. Bill informed AP counsel Paul Gardephe of the December date in an e-mail Thursday.

A public affairs officer had notified the AP last week that the military intended to submit a written complaint against Hussein as early as today. There was no explanation for the change in the date.

Under Iraqi law, an investigating judge will receive and review the evidence. The judge, whose role corresponds roughly to a grand jury, has the power to either dismiss the case or recommend it be referred to a three-judge panel for trial.

Throughout the more than 19 months of his captivity, the U.S. military has refused to specify what charges it might pursue against Hussein, who was part of the AP’s Pulitzer Prize-winning photo team in 2005.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2007/11/ap_photographer_071129/



uhc comment: 19 months to come up with evidence?