Latest developments in the PFC England hearing

PFC England's hearing was extended on Saturday, 7 August 2004. 
The Judge has recessed to review a motion by England's defense to call more witnesses. 

Last Friday's portion of the trial included more interviews with US Army investigators looking into the abuse scandal.  POWs whose statements were taken during the initial investigation talked about repeated physical, mental and psychological abuse.  This includes the use of unmuzzeled dogs to terrify the prisoners.   

On Saturday, defense counsel for PFC England dominated the floor.  The latest defense strategy is to turn the hearing into a full blown trial and requests subpoena of Rumsfeld and Cheney to take the stand.  Defense is also asking that the photographs not be allowed as evidence. 

Defense is also raising major objections that the government failed to provide him with statements made by key witnesses.  Specifically, he referred to an Associated Press article that appeared stating that Military Intelligence interrogators had given inaccurate testimony about their specific roles played in the abuse issue. 

The prosecution is satisfied with the photographs alone as sole evidence, and is resisting any attempt to bring further people to the stand.  

The hearing is expected to resume 30 August far longer than the Army had wanted.