March 29, 2007
The News and Observer reported yesterday that someone used a U.S. Embassy security gate camera to fake video evidence and may have tried to bribe witnesses in a case involving a Blackwater employee. From the News and Observer:
The alleged faked videotape and attempted bribes were part of ... a road rage incident Sept. 19 in Kabul, Afghanistan, that led to charges against two Air Force pilots.
In a February hearing in Kabul to help determine whether the pilots, Lt. Col. Gary W. Brown and Lt. Col. Christopher R. Hall, should be court-martialed, prosecutors said the pair had rammed an SUV driven by Blackwater employee Jimmy Bergeron.
When Bergeron approached them on foot at a security gate into the U.S. Embassy compound, they pointed a pistol and an assault rifle at him, and Brown tossed away Bergeron's keys.
The two officers said the bearded Bergeron, who was dressed in civilian clothes and a vest carrying ammunition and was in an unmarked vehicle, had actually struck their SUV, then rammed it again. Given that suicide bombers in the area were targeting Westerners, they testified, they feared for their lives.
According to military rules of engagement, the pilots had the right to use force -- deadly force if necessary -- to protect themselves.
Lt. Col. Leslea Pickle explained this is exactly what the rules of engagement state should be done.
IraqSlogger.com also has reported on the incident, pointing out that the outcome of the case could affect how Blackwater is used in the region. Normally when incidents between private contractors and military personnel occur, an apology letter is sent to the commanding officer and the issue is dropped. In this particular case, the U.S. government has decided to prosecute the two Air Force colonels and now Lt. Col. Leslea Pickle has called for an investigation into evidence and witness tampering.
More on the story.
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