The Navy dismissed charges against an officer accused of covering up war crimes by a SEAL later acquitted of murder, and ordered a review of the service's justice system.
The Navy dismissed charges Thursday against an officer accused of covering up war crimes by a SEAL later acquitted of murder, and ordered a review of the service's justice system.
Adm. John Richardson dismissed the case because it was"in the best interest of justice and the Navy," according to a statement. Richardson intervened a day after President Donald Trump ordered the secretary of the Navy on Wednesday to strip prosecutors of medals they were awarded for their handling of the case despite the fact Gallagher was acquitted on the most serious charges.
"We're entitled to more of an explanation as to why the case against Lt. Portier is being ditched," he said."Are they saying the entire investigation, the entire set of facts have been corrupted beyond repair? That doesn't follow." A prosecutor who had been removed from the case before trial — and not given a medal — was admonished for taking part in an effort that used software to track emails sent to the defense team that a judge said violated Gallagher's constitutional rights.
Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Corey Scott, who testified with immunity from prosecution, said Gallagher had stabbed the teen. But he stunned the court when he told the jury the boy would have survived those wounds except that Scott had plugged his breathing tube.
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