By — Eric Tucker, Associated Press Eric Tucker, Associated Press Leave a comment 0comments Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/u-s-contractor-sentenced-in-iraq-shooting-seeks-new-trial Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter U.S. contractor sentenced in Iraq shooting seeks new trial Nation Aug 28, 2019 9:58 AM EDT WASHINGTON (AP) — A former State Department contractor sentenced to life in prison for his role in the 2007 shooting deaths of Iraqi civilians is asking for a new trial because of what he says is newly discovered evidence. Lawyers for former Blackwater employee Nicholas Slatten said they received a State Department report two days before the Aug. 14 sentencing that they say cast doubt on prosecutors’ argument that Slatten is prone to unprovoked violence. The document concerns a rescue mission of a downed aircraft that took place once week before the shooting in the case. Slatten’s lawyers say the document shows Army forces reported incoming fire from Iraqi insurgents before Slatten and other Blackwater contractors arrived at the site. A spokeswoman for the U.S. attorney’s office in Washington declined to comment Wednesday. We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now By — Eric Tucker, Associated Press Eric Tucker, Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — A former State Department contractor sentenced to life in prison for his role in the 2007 shooting deaths of Iraqi civilians is asking for a new trial because of what he says is newly discovered evidence. Lawyers for former Blackwater employee Nicholas Slatten said they received a State Department report two days before the Aug. 14 sentencing that they say cast doubt on prosecutors’ argument that Slatten is prone to unprovoked violence. The document concerns a rescue mission of a downed aircraft that took place once week before the shooting in the case. Slatten’s lawyers say the document shows Army forces reported incoming fire from Iraqi insurgents before Slatten and other Blackwater contractors arrived at the site. A spokeswoman for the U.S. attorney’s office in Washington declined to comment Wednesday. We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now