Court-martial begins for US Marine charged with murdering Iraqi man

Source: CCTV.com | 07-10-2007 15:00

A US Marine prosecutor has requested a jury to convict a corporal for his role in the killing last year of an Iraqi grandfather in the town of Hamdania. But defense attorneys have told the jury that Corporal Trent Thomas was only following orders and shouldn't be convicted.

The killing is one of several Iraqi civilian deaths that have damaged the image of American troops. The charges against Thomas are centered on the killing of Hashim Ibrahim Awad a disabled police officer who was shot dead in April last year.

Defense lawyers didn't argue over whether Thomas was involved. But they said Thomas and other Marines were simply following orders in a chaotic war atmosphere.

Thomas is charged with conspiracy, murder, larceny, kidnapping and dishonesty. The 25-year-old father of two could face a maximum life sentence, if convicted.

Editor:Du Xiaodan