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Troops in Koran Burning to Be Punished, Not Charged

They're looking at something like a rank and pay drop

By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 20, 2012 7:11 AM CDT

(Newser) – The US military will not recommend the US troops who burned Korans at an Afghanistan NATO base, sparking protests, face any criminal charges. Administrative punishments have been recommended instead, MSNBC reports. The punishment will likely involve a rank and pay drop, a letter of reprimand, or the assignment of additional duties; it has been recommended for as many as seven troops who were involved: soldiers in the US Army, including at least one officer, and at least one sailor in the US Navy.

The lack of any criminal charges is in keeping with the military's initial assertion that the incident, while regrettable, was a mistake. But it is likely to anger Afghans who were enraged by the burning, reports the AP. The military investigation is now complete, and has been turned over to service branch chiefs at the Pentagon for review.

An Afghan demonstrator adds flammable material to a burning police vehicle during a protest against Koran desecration in Herat on February 24, 2012.
An Afghan demonstrator adds flammable material to a burning police vehicle during a protest against Koran desecration in Herat on February 24, 2012.   (Getty Images)
An Afghan man aims a sling shot toward US soldiers at the gate of Bagram airbase during a protest against Koran desecration on February 21, 2012 at Bagram about 40 miles north of Kabul.
An Afghan man aims a sling shot toward US soldiers at the gate of Bagram airbase during a protest against Koran desecration on February 21, 2012 at Bagram about 40 miles north of Kabul.   (Getty Images)
Afghan youth throw stones toward US soldiers standing at the gate of Bagram airbase during a protest against Koran desecration at Bagram, about 40 miles north of Kabul, on February 21, 2012.
Afghan youth throw stones toward US soldiers standing at the gate of Bagram airbase during a protest against Koran desecration at Bagram, about 40 miles north of Kabul, on February 21, 2012.   (Getty Images)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 13 comments
dosdiverz
Jun 20, 2012 7:45 PM CDT
This is pure idiocy. Try entering Saudi Arabia with a Koran which was not printed in that country or is too richly decorated. They will confiscate it from you and will either shred or burn it. This is a non issue with moderate Muslims. The administration and military are being PC. You don't see anyone there protesting the suicide bomber that killed 21 people in Afghanistan today. Three soldiers and 18 civilians, mostly kids, died.
Johnny1958
Jun 20, 2012 1:21 PM CDT
This is what you get when the commander in chief is an Anti American Muslim
HANKHILL
Jun 20, 2012 9:11 AM CDT
what a bunch of pc crap punishment for just burning the garbage! shame!
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Bagram Air Force Base • US military • US troops • Koran • Bagram • American soldiers • American military • American troops • Bagram air base • US soldiers • Koran burning

 
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