US Government abandons Marine in Philippines rape case

[Phrogman]

I cannot believe the government is so incompetent as to let this young marine be taken away to the Makati City jail.
In complete violation of SOFA agreements, they let the local cops drag him off to their jail.
And with the anger and hostile emotions that have been stirred up by all the publicity this case has been getting here, this could quite possibly be his death sentence.
Phrogman,
Philippines



Marine's appeal of Philippines rape conviction stirs outcry over custody

http://stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=41979

U.S. and Philippine government authorities are scrambling for custody of Lance Cpl. Daniel Smith after the judge in Manila who found him guilty Monday of rape transferred him to Philippine police.

Smith, 21, a Marine assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit on Okinawa, spent Monday night in the Makati jail in suburban Manila after being sentenced to 40 years in prison, said one of his lawyers, Benjamin Formoso.

Smith’s lawyers have appealed the verdict and said they plan to petition the Makati court to return Smith to U.S. custody unless the issue can be resolved through diplomatic channels.

In Manila, U.S. Embassy spokesman Matt Lussenhop said Tuesday that U.S. government officials are working with Philippine authorities to expedite Smith’s return to U.S. custody, as spelled out by the Visiting Forces Agreement.

[cosmik debris]

1. It's hard to feel sorry for a convicted rapist.

I agree with the need to enforce the law and treaties, but this guy is not a very sympathetic victim.

[Phrogman]

3. How are you so certain he got a fair trial?

From what I've been hearing of it, its quite a circus with heavy anti-American overtones.

[acmejack]

2. This guy is so fucked.

The life expectancy of an American in Filipino prison is quite short.