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Poland trial begins for soldiers accused of murdering Afghan civilians

By Bernard Hibbitts (editor) and University of Pittsburgh School of Law students.

[JURIST] The court martial for seven Polish soldiers accused of killing six civilians in Afghanistan began Tuesday in Poland. The solders are being prosecuted for violating provisions of Geneva Conventions, which provide protection for civilian villages that pose no threat to soldiers. Prosecutor Jakub Mytych claimed in his opening statement that the seven soldiers launched an unprovoked attack on the village of Nangrarkhel in August of 2007. The trial is expected to continue for several months. If convicted, the soldiers could face life in prison. Prosecutors formally charged the seven soldiers in November of 2007. Six of the solders were charged with murder, and a seventh was indicted on lesser charges. Six people, including three children, were killed during the attack. Three women also suffered severe injuries resulting in amputated limbs.

Full post as published by JURIST - The Paper Chase on February 04, 2009 (boomark / email).