Abu Ghraib officer seeks new hearing - Army News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Army Times

Abu Ghraib officer seeks new hearing

The only U.S. military officer charged in the abuse of Abu Ghraib prisoners has requested a new hearing to determine whether he should be court-martialed, the Army said Tuesday.

Lt. Col. Steven L. Jordan contends the presiding officer at his Article 32 investigation in October improperly considered written witness statements that were not in evidence before recommending a court-martial. An Article 32 investigation is the military equivalent of a preliminary hearing or grand jury proceeding.

Jordan, who directed an interrogation center at the Iraqi prison in autumn 2003, also asked the court to exclude statements he made to investigators, claiming he was not property warned of his rights.

In those interviews, Jordan denied having seen prisoners abused. The statements are the basis for charges that Jordan lied to investigators about abuses he allegedly witnessed.

A hearing on the motions will be held March 12 at Fort McNair in Washington. Jordan’s trial is scheduled for July.

Lawyers for both sides declined to comment on the motions.

Jordan, a 50-year-old reservist from northern Virginia, is accused of failing to exert his authority as prisoners were stripped naked, photographed in humiliating poses and intimidated by military dogs.

Jordan’s lawyers have said that most of the abuses were committed by rogue military police who weren’t under his command.

Jordan is on involuntary extended active duty at the Intelligence and Security Command at Fort Belvoir, Va. He could be sentenced to 22 years in prison if convicted on all counts.

Eleven enlisted soldiers have been convicted of crimes at Abu Ghraib, and a number of officers who weren’t charged have been reprimanded.