How would you feel if you were one of this Iraqi mans 11 children?

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,22109346-1702,00.html

Marine escapes jail for Iraqi murder plot

July 21, 2007

A US Marine convicted of plotting to murder an Iraqi civilian outside Baghdad last year escaped a jail sentence for his crimes, the military said.

Trent Thomas, who was found guilty of conspiracy to kidnap and murder Hashim Ibrahim Awad in Hamdania on April 26 last year, hugged his family after receiving a reduction in rank and bad conduct discharge.

The 25-year-old former lance corporal, who has been held in detention since the allegations first surfaced last year, could have faced a life prison sentence for his role in Mr Awad's killing.

On Thursday prosecutors had recommended Thomas be jailed for 15 years in order to send a message to other Marines during a hearing at the Camp Pendleton base outside San Diego.

Mr Awad, a 52-year-old father of 11, was taken from his home in a late-night raid by eight US servicemen and killed before the Marines involved covered up the incident to make it look as if Mr Awad was an insurgent planting a bomb.

[msongs]

1. this criminal is now in civilian society - a few good men indeed nt

[aquart]

2. "Conspiracy"? He MURDERED him.

[Rene]

3. His identity should be made known whereever he moves and society SHUN him as

in olden days. He should be punished for those actions......and since officials won't do anything about it....the people MUST.