Feds: Blackwater opened fire on unarmed Iraqis

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Blackwater Worldwide security guard Evan Liberty arrives at federal court to surrender Dec. 8 in Salt Lake City. He was one of five guards who were indicted for the 2007 shooting of Iraqi civilians.


Feds: Blackwater opened fire on unarmed Iraqis
By Lara Jakes Jordan and Matt Apuzzo - The Associated Press
Posted : Monday Dec 8, 2008 21:56:05 EST

WASHINGTON — Wild, unprovoked gunfire and grenades killed 14 innocent Iraqis and hurt dozens more in a 2007 Baghdad attack, prosecutors said Monday in announcing charges with mandatory 30-year prison terms against five Blackwater Worldwide security guards.

The Justice Department called the shooting a shocking and devastating violation of human rights.

The harsh words echoed the outrage of Iraqis, who have waited more than a year to see how the U.S. would respond to the shooting on a busy street in the Iraqi capital.

The shooting by the largest U.S. security contractor in Iraq sparked international condemnation, launched congressional hearings and inspired anti-American insurgent propaganda.

The five security guards — all decorated military veterans — surrendered in federal court in Utah, where one of them lives. The five guards walked wordlessly through a phalanx of reporters. A judge ordered the guards to report to a Washington courthouse Jan. 6, where they were expected to plead not guilty.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/12/ap_blackwater_prosecution_120808/%2e