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thedrifter
11-27-07, 07:42 PM
Inquiry into Afghan deaths delayed until 2008
The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Nov 27, 2007 13:28:17 EST

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — A Marine Corps legal tribunal called to investigate the killing of up to 19 Afghan civilians has been pushed back to early next year.

Both sides of the case asked for additional time to prepare for the court of inquiry. The rare legal mechanism will examine the roles of two Marines present during the shootings.

Lt. Gen. Samuel Helland is the top Marine officer at Central Command. He agreed to delay the case but has not set a specific date.

As many as 19 people were killed and 50 injured in March when members of a Marine special operations company opened fire in a crowded roadway.

Army officials say the convoy was rammed by a minivan full of explosives. Afghanistan’s Independent Human Rights Commission says it didn’t find evidence the military unit was under fire.

Ellie