Around the World: Iraq

US soldier on murder trial

A US Army soldier who prosecutors assert hatched the plan for the execution-style slayings of four bound, blindfolded Iraqis by the side of a Baghdad canal pleaded not guilty to murder at his court-martial yesterday.

Master Sergeant John Hatley, 40, was charged with premeditated murder, conspiracy to commit premeditated murder and obstruction of justice in the shootings that took place in spring 2007 in the Iraqi capital.

At the hearing, Hatley, dressed in his green formal uniform, entered his plea to Army judge Colonel Jeffrey Nance. A jury of eight soldiers - a mix of officers and non-commissioned officers - will hear the case, which is expected to last through the week.

If convicted, Hatley could be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

(China Daily 04/14/2009 page11)