Stabbing a teenage prisoner to death, picking off a young girl and an old man with a sniper rifle and firing a heavy machinegun into a residential area: these are some of the charges facing an elite US Navy SEAL on trial for war crimes while deployed in Iraq.
Special Operations Chief Edward Gallagher, a decorated 39-year-old veteran of combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, is still a hero in the eyes of many Americans.
Around 40 Republican members of Congress have written an open letter demanding Gallagher who denies the charges against him -- be set free until he stands trial. One has even called on President Donald Trump to step in and have the case dismissed.
Special Operations Chief Edward Gallagher, a decorated 39-year-old veteran of combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, is still a hero in the eyes of many Americans.
Around 40 Republican members of Congress have written an open letter demanding Gallagher who denies the charges against him -- be set free until he stands trial. One has even called on President Donald Trump to step in and have the case dismissed.
Gallagher was arrested after men under his command in the elite Navy unit were so horrified by his actions that they complained to their superiors, but were warned that their accusations could damage their careers, according to reports in The Navy Times and The New York Times this week.
Gallagher now faces charges of premeditated murder, attempted murder and obstruction of justice. He could be sentenced to life in prison if found guilty.[AFP.com]
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