If you're innocent, you don't require immunity.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. State Department investigators looking into the shooting deaths of 17 Iraqis in Baghdad last month offered immunity deals to Blackwater security guards, The New York Times reported on Monday.
The investigators from the agency's investigative arm, the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, did not, however, have the authority to offer such immunity grants, the newspaper said, citing U.S. government officials.The offers represent a potentially serious investigative misstep that could complicate efforts to prosecute Blackwater employees involved in the incident, the newspaper said.
The officials, who were not identified, said Justice Department prosecutors, who do have the authority to offer such deals, had no advance knowledge of the arrangement, the newspaper said.
Presumed innocent until all findings and prosecution are complete. Immunity should not be required to acquire facts from contractors working directly for the US Government. If you fail to recognize any rule of law (US, Iraqi, Military Code of Justice, Geneva Convention) you're an unlawful combatant.
Posted by kerry at October 30, 2007 04:45 AM