Sailors Facing Charges of Abusing Iraqi Detainees

NAS JACKSONVILLE, FL -- Five Navy sailors, including a Chief Petty Officer, are undergoing legal proceedings for allegedly abusing Iraqi prisoners six months ago.

Allegations of abuse stem from a series of incidents in Camp Bucca near the Iraqi-Kuwaiti border in May, when enemy detainees spit on US personnel and threw their feces and urine on guards.

Navy personnel are accused of retaliating by taking two of the detainees out of their quarters, and stepping on their necks to hold them down as others beat them.

Other sailors on guard duty are accused of cutting off the ventilation system to a room of detainees overnight, and spraying pepper spray into the room.

Four sailors, including one stationed at Mayport, face courts martial.

"The Navy takes these charges very seriously. And it's not in our character, or our professionalism to have any assaults or any type of abuse on anyone," said Commander Dan Bates, a Navy Public Information Officer.

Four of the sailors were scheduled for arraignment Wednesday at the NAS Jacksonville courtroom. Three pleaded 'not guilty,' while the fourth will make his plea on Friday.

A Chief Petty Officer from Pensacola, Tracy Necaise, is undergoing an Article 32 hearing, similar to a grand jury proceeding in civilian life. The charges against Necaise will be reviewed, and witnesses will testify to see if there is enough cause to formally try him.

J. Sullivan III of San Diego is the Necaise defense attorney. Sullivan has said a lack of training is responsible - and the blame ought to go on senior officers.

The Navy is insistent that despite the detainees being our enemy in war, they are still entitled to human rights that may have been violated.

"We try to maintain the respects and the dignity of all individuals, no matter what the circumstances," said Commander Bates.

Chief Petty Officer Necaise's Article 32 hearing is expected to last for several more days to determine what charges, if any he will face.

If convicted of the charges, the sailors could face dishonorable discharges, and up to a year in the brig.