The Rape and Murder of Abeer Qassim Hamza al-Janabi by Steven Dale Green

[Mike 03]

and developments in this case, which formed the basis for Brian De Palma's feature length motion picture REDACTED.

I don't know about you, but this multiple homicide became almost a symbol for me--as it did for some others here at Democratic Underground--about how shameful, unspeakable, and just plain wrong this war was from day one. And for a short while, at least, this case was a HUGE story here at DU (and deservedly so, IMO).

It was hard to even fathom the details as they slowly came to light.

It was even a relief to share feelings about this crime with others here, because it was so horrific it was hard to even find a place to express one's self without someone calling you unpatriotic or that you were doubting the greatness and moral certitude of our brave men in uniform.

Mr. Green is not going to be tried as a member of the military, but as a civilian who committed a heinous capital crime--multiple first degree murder, plus rape, torture with special circumstances, and therefore eligible for the death penalty. Although I have struggled for a decade with whether the death penalty is appropriate, if there was ever a case where it was justified, this is one of them.

Quote:

In July 2007, federal prosecutors, led by Brian Skaret of the United States Department of Justice's Domestic Security Section, announced they will be seeking the death penalty for Green. This is based on the fact that prosecutors believe the rape and killings were premeditated, and were committed using a firearm.

The prosecution of this case is unique in that although the alleged crimes were committed by an active member of the United States military, which normally would fall under the jurisdiction of the military court system, Green was indicted and arrested after he had been discharged from the Army. Thus, the case is being tried instead by the United States Department of Justice's Domestic Security Section.

Opening arguments are set for April 27, 2009.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steven_D._Green

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abeer_Qassim_Hamza

[Mike 03]

1. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to evaluate this most unpleasant post and

topic.

I know. It sucks.

[CatWoman]

2. when I saw her picture, I bust out in tears

animals.


fucking animals.

[Mike 03]

4. Thank you for sharing that. Me too.

I can't see her picture, read the transcripts from her trial, see the scene of the crime or watch the movie "Redacted" without bursting into tears, exactly as you said.

thank you...

I don't feel so alone. This crime shocked me so bad, I can't even put it into words.

[provis99]

3. I completely disagree with the decision to charge him as a civilian

He was a soldier in uniform when he allegedly committed these crimes; the military has to own up and deal with one of its own when they go bad, and not pass them off to civilian authorities.

[struggle4progress]

5. Why aren't the Iraqis trying him? After all, Bremer's famous "I've transferred sovereignity and now

I'm outta here!" skeedaddle took place in 2004, two years before this occurred

[ThomCat]

8. I agree. We should be handing over to the Iraqi courts.

He should be tried over there under their laws. That's where the crime took place.

[uppityperson]

6. Thank you. I posted a bunch of articles on the trial today, link here...

LBN
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=102&topic_id=3852804&mesg_id=3852804
GD (same articles, different replies)
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=5553875&mesg_id=5553875

[me b zola]

7. Thank you for posting this

I have been wondering what happened to Green, and think about Abeer.

I have not forgotten.

[Psychic Consortium]

9. How about an Abeer Foundation to address the plight of Iraqi women and children

who have been harmed by the US Invasion?
Those who have been murdered, raped, tortured,
injured, displaced, hungry, lack of medical care,
education, etc etc.

Americans helping Iraqi women and children.

And in Abeer's memory.

It is time.

Perhaps DU can be a part of this effort.
It will not bring Abeer back or take away
the pain she and her family suffered, but
will honor her memory and help many who need it now.

[NNN0LHI]

10. Never forget how our scummy media identified this 14-year old girl a woman for weeks

Never forget.

I will never trust anything from CNN and Barbara Starr over that.

Don

[raccoon]

11. THANK YOU. nt

[janet118]

12. Green - from Midland Texas

Isn't that Bush country?

This is beyond sick. We tend to worship all things military in the US. While the overwhelming majority of the men and women who serve are honorable, there are a significant number of arrogant sociopaths within their ranks. What kind of culture allows them to exist so blatantly? The mentality within the military that made it possible for a group of 5 men to commit a heinous crime in broad daylight without one of them saying, "No!" and reporting it immediately to a commanding officer sometime during the long build up to the rape/murders amazes me.

The fact that members of the perpetrators' platoon were kidnapped and murdered by "insurgents" after the incident shows that this type of behavior is not only profoundly sickening, but dangerous to all other US troops and detrimental to the stated mission of the military command.

[Psychic Consortium]

13. So many crimes done in our name, on our dime. We must make restitution.

It is the only way.