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Employees hired by the Blackwater contractor, Nicholas Slatten, Paul Slough, Evan Liberty and Dustin Heard were involved in a 2007 storm that killed innocent people in busy Nisoor Square. Baghdad (Iraq) in the process of protecting US convoys.
At that time, 14 people were killed, including a 9-year-old boy, and 18 Iraqis were injured. During the Blackwater contractors trial, the defense attorney said his client responded after being ambushed by Iraqi rebels.
Evan Liberty (top, left), Dustin Heard (top, right), Nick Slatten (bottom, right), and Paul Slough. Photo: Daily Mail
The incident angered the international community, sparked a debate about the role of military contractors in the war and led to back-to-back investigations against Blackwater.
Nicholas Slatten, who opened fire for the first time, was charged with murder, the rest facing murder charges. Consequently, Nicholas Slatten received a life sentence, while the remaining 3 people received a 30-year prison sentence.
“I was terrified,” said Ribal Mansour, who witnessed the turmoil in Nisour Square on September 16, 2007.
Some Baghdad residents spoke to the newspaper The Guardian, calling President Trump’s amnesty decision a “cruel slap” and an insulting act.
Adil al-Khazali, whose father was killed in the attack, said he was shocked by the news. Adil al-Khazali said The Guardian: “Justice does not exist. I hope the American people are on our side. I have lost my father, many innocent women and children perished. American courts discredit. Mr. Trump has no right to pardon innocent killers.”
“Our blood is cheaper than water,” said an Iraqi bitterly.
Iraqi police examine the destroyed vehicle with which Blackwater was allegedly associated in 2007. Photo: AP
Investigator Haidar al-Barzanji in Iraq said: “President Trump does not have the right to amnesty on behalf of the victim’s family. It contradicts human rights and is against the law.” They can only be forgiven if the victim’s family forgives them.
Iraqi activist Haidar Salman suggested that the Iraqi government should ask the new US administration to revoke the amnesty.
Iraqi officials will surely find a way to persuade Joe Biden to reverse the decision. “It will be the first thing we will discuss with him,” said an aide to Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi.
Nicholas Slatten, Paul Slough, Evan Liberty and Dustin Heard were among the 20 pardoned and reduced from sentence on Dec. 22, mostly Republican allies and former campaign officials in 2016. Trump pardoned two officers suspected of war crimes in Afghanistan, restoring the ranks of a special SEAL operative that had operated in Iraq.
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