US soldier jailed for Afghan murders - Video
US Army Specialist Jeremy Morlock, 23, has been sentenced to 24 years in prison for killing unarmed Afghan civilians last year.
A US soldier charged with killing unarmed Afghan civilians last year has been sentenced to 24 years in prison after pleading guilty to three counts of premeditated murder. The guilty plea and sentencing of Army Specialist Jeremy Morlock, 23, of Wasilla, Alaska, on Wednesday marked a turning point in the most serious prosecution of alleged US military atrocities during 10 years of war in Afghanistan.
Under questioning by the judge, Morlock recounted his role in the deaths of three unarmed Afghan villagers whose killings by grenade blasts and rifle fire were staged to appear as legitimate combat casualties. "I knew what I was doing was wrong, sir," he said, adding that, contrary to his lawyers' suggestions, his judgment was not impaired by drugs. He admitted smoking hashish three or four times a week during his deployment in Afghanistan.
His lawyer said he would be eligible for parole after seven years. Morlock was the first soldier to face court-martial out of five members of the rogue US unit from the Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Division's Stryker brigade, based out of Fort Lewis, Washington. Earlier, he read a statement apologising to the victims' families and the "people of Afghanistan", saying, "I've spent a lot of time reflecting on how I lost my moral compass".
Morlock told the judge that he and the other soldiers began plotting to murder unarmed Afghans in late 2009. To make the killings appear justified, the soldiers planned to plant weapons near the victims' bodies, he said. Asked by the judge what his intent was, Morlock replied, "The plan was to kill people." "Did everybody know, 'We're killing people who are completely innocent'?" the judge asked. "Generally, yes, sir, everyone knew," Morlock replied.
James Petras: Imperialism and Imperial Barbarism
Jerry White: Photos released of atrocities by US “kill team” in Afghanistan
Arthur Silber: A Few Ugly Truths about the Death State and Its Supporters
AWIP: Kill Teams and Anti-War Kooks