Dec 23, 2020 5:41 PM EDT
For many in the United States and Iraq, the name “Blackwater” has become synonymous with a deadly 2007 episode that killed 17 innocent civilians and wounded 24. The massacre at Nisour Square in Baghdad was one of the most indelible events of the Iraq War, drawing widespread condemnation, including from human rights organizations and the Iraqi government.
Four men who worked for the American private security firm then known as Blackwater were found guilty in U.S. federal court of murder and manslaughter and sentenced to prison for the shootings. On Tuesday, President Donald Trump granted them full pardons, praising them for “a long history of service to the nation.” Trump said that the move was “broadly supported by the public,” and named a FOX News host and nine House Republicans as among the pardon’s proponents.
The UN has sharply criticised President Donald Trump s decision to pardon four former Blackwater contractors jailed over the killing of 14 Iraqi civilians.
A cyclist passing by a burnt-out car a few days after Blackwater guards escorting US embassy officials opened fire in the Baghdad neighbourhood on 16 September 2007.
Photo: AFP
Nicholas Slatten, Paul Slough, Evan Liberty and Dustin Heard opened fire in Baghdad s Nisoor Square in 2007 while guarding an American diplomatic convoy.
The UN Human Rights Office warned that the pardons would serve to embolden others to commit similar crimes.
The father of a nine-year boy who died said Trump broke my life again .
Трамп пробил новое дно : помиловал охранников Blackwater, которые убили 14 жителей Ирака liga.net - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from liga.net Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.