NEWS RELEASE
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND
7115 South Boundary Boulevard
MacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101
Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894
June 22, 2004
Release Number: 04-06-40
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRE-TRIAL HEARING STATEMENT
BAGHDAD, Iraq - Statement by COL Jill Morgenthaler, MNF-I Public Affairs Officer
Yesterday, June 21, U.S. vs. Frederick was convened. The hearing was rescheduled when the judge ruled that the defense civilian counsel could not argue motions or appear telephonically from the United States.
Today, the court reconvened U.S. vs. Frederick after Staff Sgt. Ivan L. Frederick II, waived appearance of his civilian defense attorney.
At the hearing, the military judge denied a request from the Defense that a new Article 32 investigation be conducted. He ruled that the prior Article 32 hearing (the military equivalent of a Grand Jury proceeding) "substantially complied" with the requirements in the Manual for Courts-Martial.
The defense also made a motion for investigative assistance to be appointed to the defense team. The government agreed.
The military judge also ruled that the defense could interview Gen. Abizaid, Lt. Gen. Sanchez, Lt. Gen. Metz and any of the subordinates in the Coalition Joint Task Force-7 who have potentially relevant information to these proceedings.
Repeating the rulings in the companion cases from yesterday, the military judge ordered Abu Ghraib prison be preserved as an alleged crime scene as long as it is under the control of the United States.
The judge also signed an order to trial panel members to avoid pre-trial publicity in the case.
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