Jose Luis Nazario Jr.
Former Marine Sergeant Jose Luis Nazario Jr. has been accused of killing four unarmed Iraqi detainees in the city of Fallujah in 2004. He is the first member of the U.S. military ever to face a war crimes trial in a federal civilian court.1
Fast Facts
- Trial begins August 19, 2008
- Charges: voluntary manslaughter, assault with a deadly weapon, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence1
- Trial location: Riverside, California
- Could face sentence of 10 years or more1
Controversial Charges
Nazario was charged under the Military Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act, a law passed in 2000, prior to which veterans who were no longer enlisted could not be prosecuted for war crimes.1 The Nazario case has been criticized for allowing a civilian jury to judge the actions of a soldier during wartime.1
Quotes
"They train us, and they expect us to rely back on that training. Then when we use that training, they prosecute us for it?"—Jose Luis Nazario Jr.2
"I didn't do anything wrong. I don't think I should be the first tried like this"—Jose Luis Nazario Jr.2
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