Not having been privy to this so called incident, I feel that from what the press has released it is obvious that this Captain,if he has shot the supposed insurgent. Did it with the thought of mercy as according to press reports the man would not have survived medical treatment.
I realise that we teach our infanteers to Kill the enemy. This has been a long standing phrase, yet whenever some one feels that inappropriate actions were taken IN THE BATTLEFIELD then this Officer must now face a court martial. I am a firm believer in the saying What happens here stays here I pray the the court officers hearing this case are of the same understanding. We cannot send our men and women into Combat and not protect them and their reputations. As I said these are My thoughts and have nothing to do with the publishers of the Guardian. Capt. Robert Semrau (centre) arrives under military police escort for a custody hearing at CFB Petawawa in January 2009. He is charged with second-degree murder in the death of a presumed enemy fighter in Afghanistan.(Canadian Press/Tom Hanson)
This is the CBC report :Court martial proceedings begin Monday for a Canadian soldier charged with second-degree murder in the shooting death of a wounded Taliban insurgent in Afghanistan.
Capt. Robert Semrau will face a military judge and five panel members on the murder charge and three other charges: attempting to commit murder, behaving in a disgraceful manner and negligently performing a military duty.
According to a joint statement by defence and prosecution lawyers. Semrau's troops were on patrol Oct. 19, 2008, when they were ambushed by Taliban insurgents in Helmand province.
His group, which included 100 Afghan National Army troops, was able to gain control. Two Taliban fighters were found: one dead, the other severely wounded.
The insurgent casualty was wounded too severely for any treatment in the field, the statement says.
Semrau was left alone with the injured man and two shots were heard, according to the statement. The statement claims an unnamed witness interviewed by military investigators will testify he saw Semrau shoot the man.Semrau had served three years with the British army, including deployments in Macedonia and Afghanistan, according to documents presented at his hearing.
He left with an exemplary discharge and joined the Canadian Forces in 2005, where his record was unblemished until the charges were laid.
May he be found not guilty and resume his duties as a Canadian officer in a proud Regiment.
REMEMBER EVERYONE DEPLOYED
Nil Sine labore
Robby
