BAGHDAD — U.S. prosecutors on Saturday visited the site of last year’s shooting that left 17 Iraqis dead in a Baghdad square and briefed victims’ families about the case against Blackwater Worldwide guards indicted in the deadly incident.
Five Blackwater guards were indicted last week on manslaughter and other charges for their alleged roles in the Sept. 16, 2007, shooting in Nisoor Square. A sixth guard reached a plea bargain with prosecutors to avoid a mandatory 30-year prison sentence.
“The aim of our visit is to meet the families of the victims and explain the charges that have been filed in the United States and to make ourselves available to any questions they might have,” U.S. prosecutor Kenneth Kohl told reporters at the police headquarters just off the square.
The shooting in heavy traffic at the central traffic circle sparked international condemnation, resulted in U.S. congressional hearings and inspired anti-American insurgent propaganda.
The case fueled Iraqi anger over what they perceive as heavy-handed behavior by private security contractors, who enjoyed blanket immunity from prosecution under Iraqi law.
“My husband was looking for a job at the square that day. When he reached the square, the security members killed him,” said Milad Khalil about her husband, Odai Ismael. “My two girls need money to cover the elementary school expenses.”
Adel Jabr, who was wounded at Nisoor Square, said he wants punishment for the guards and compensation for his suffering.
“I have undergone several surgeries, including skin grafts,” he said. “I am spending most of time lying in bed. I have a family to feed, but I cannot work. We want to be treated the same way that U.S. citizens are treated.”
During a private meeting, Kohl pressed Iraqi police commander Lt. Gen. Hussein al-Awadi on whether any Iraqi policemen opened fire that day, presumably against the Blackwater guards, according to those who attended the talks.
Al-Awadi insisted that no policemen opened fire, the attendees said on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to reporters.
