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Biden: US Will Appeal Blackwater Dismissal

Vice president expresses his 'personal regret' for the case's outcome

By the Associated Press

Posted Jan 23, 2010 1:35 PM CST
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(AP) – Joe Biden said today the US will appeal a court decision dismissing manslaughter charges against five Blackwater guards involved in a deadly 2007 Baghdad shooting. Biden expressed his "personal regret" for the shooting and said the Obama administration was disappointed by the dismissal. "A dismissal is not an acquittal," he said.

Biden's announcement after a meeting with Iraqi President Jalal Talabani. Blackwater security contractors were guarding US diplomats when the guards opened fire in Nisoor Square, a crowded Baghdad intersection, on Sept. 16, 2007. Seventeen people were killed. The case against the contractors fell apart when a federal trial judge ruled that the Justice Department mishandled evidence and violated the guards' constitutional rights.

Sahib Nasir holds a picture of his son, Mehdi Sahib, who was killed in 2007 by Blackwater security guards.
Sahib Nasir holds a picture of his son, Mehdi Sahib, who was killed in 2007 by Blackwater security guards.   (Hadi Mizban)
U.S. Vice President Joe Biden speaks during a press conference with Iraqi President Jalal Talabani in Baghdad, Iraq, Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010.
U.S. Vice President Joe Biden speaks during a press conference with Iraqi President Jalal Talabani in Baghdad, Iraq, Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010.   (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban, Pool)
Adil Jabr, an Iraqi wounded during the September 2007 shooting in Baghdad's Nisoor Square by Blackwater security guards, is seen at the prime minister's office Monday, Jan. 18. 2010.
Adil Jabr, an Iraqi wounded during the September 2007 shooting in Baghdad's Nisoor Square by Blackwater security guards, is seen at the prime minister's office Monday, Jan. 18. 2010.   (Hadi Mizban)
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, right, shakes hands with U.S. Vice President Joe Biden.
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, right, shakes hands with U.S. Vice President Joe Biden.   ((AP Photo/Iraq Prime Minister's Office, HO ))
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, left, walks beside U.S. Vice President Joe Biden before their meeting in Baghdad, Iraq, Saturday.
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, left, walks beside U.S. Vice President Joe Biden before their meeting in Baghdad, Iraq, Saturday.   ((AP Photo/Iraq Prime Minister's Office, HO))
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 18 comments
CHRiSTFELD
Jan 24, 2010 12:24 PM CST
Were he not already dead, I myself would like to drag that "American" (er, a South African mercenary employed by Blackwater) for leading a raid on my dear friend's home in Botswana in the mid-80's and machine-gunning to death his family in front of him. (Their high crime: supporting a 'terrorist' named Mandela.) Evil people.
carpenocturne
Jan 24, 2010 12:08 PM CST
Let's have trials for everything that happens in war. That will sure smooth things right out....
flightofphoenix1973
Jan 24, 2010 9:37 AM CST
@OG Sorry to hear that.

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Iraq • Joe Biden • Blackwater • Nisoor Square • Iraq war • military contractors

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