Soldier Jailed For Gang Rape Of Iraqi Girl
An American soldier who raped and then murdered a 14-year-old Iraqi girl after shooting dead her parents and young sister has been jailed for life without parole.
https://teakdoor.com/images/smilies1/You_Rock_Emoticon.gif Private Steven Green was the ringleader in the horrific attack which left four dead
Steven Green, 24, escaped a death sentence after jurors could not decide on his punishment.
But Judge Thomas Russell ruled he would spend the rest of his days behind bars for the horrific attack on the innocent family's home 20 miles south of Baghdad.
Green was convicted of being the ringleader in the attack, guilty of murder, rape and obstruction of justice charges.
He had earlier been discharged from the Army for a "personality disorder."
The killer led a gang of five US soldiers who invaded an Iraqi family's home in Mahmudiya, 20 miles south of Baghdad, on March 12, 2006.
Their intention was to rape 14-year-old Abeer Kassem al Janabi.
While two fellow soldiers assaulted the girl, Green shot and killed the girl's mother, father and six-year-old sister in a bedroom.
He then took part in the gang rape before shooting Abeer three times in the head and setting her body ablaze.
Of the other four soldiers who took part in the attack, three pleaded guilty and the fourth was convicted in military courts.
They received prison sentences ranging from five to 100 years.
The case was one of several incidents involving American soldiers that enraged Iraqis and strained US relations with the country and its government.
"We sincerely hope that the sentencing helps to bring the loved ones of this Iraqi family some semblance of closure and comfort after this horrific and senseless act," said US Brigadier General Rodney Johnson.
Green's case was heard in Paducah, in western Kentucky, because of its proximity to Fort Campbell, where he was based.
Relatives of the murdered Iraqi family travelled to Paducah after Green's trial and condemned him as a "coward" who would be haunted by his acts.
"The face of this innocent girl, that face will be chasing you in that dark cell you will be in until the last day of your life," the girl's uncle said at the court hearing.
Iraq Gang Rape: Steven Green Is Jailed For Life Without Parole For Gang Rape And Murder Of Girl | World News | Sky News
English Noodles says: I sincerely hope that the sentencing helps to bring the loved ones of this Iraqi family some semblance of closure and comfort after this horrific and senseless act.