Death Sentence Upheld in 2003 Army Fragging Case

Death sentence upheld in 2003 Army fragging case

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www.tennessean.com[/caption]Many will remember the terrible terrorist event that happened in 2003 when Hasan K. Akbar perpetuated a solo attack on Officers tents involving frag and incendiary grenades as well as M-4 fire. While the case is now 12 years into the conviction and appeals process, the final appeal to the highest courts, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, have upheld the death sentence in Akbar's case. This news will hopefully give closure to the families of those killed, Army Capt. Christopher S. Seifert and Air Force Maj. Gregory L. Stone, as well as the 14 wounded in the attack. Knowing many soldiers who were there during the attack, it is good to see that those who choose to attack our Service Members are being held responsible and justice is being done. This sentence will hopefully show others that wish to follow in Akbar's footsteps that they will be held accountable. As it was reported in Stars and Stripes:

WASHINGTON — The nation’s highest military court has affirmed the conviction and death sentence for Hasan K. Akbar, who admitted killing two fellow U.S. soldiers at the start of the Iraq War.

In a closely split decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces rejected claims by Akbar that his original defense team was ineffective. Akbar argued at trial that he was mentally ill when he killed two and wounded 14 in the March 2003 attack in Kuwait.

“We conclude that if there ever was a case where a military court-martial panel would impose the death penalty, this was it,” Judge Kevin A. Ohlson wrote.

The court’s 3-2 decision leaves Akbar one of six military men to be facing execution at the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks in Leavenworth, Kan. Though he had launched a wide-ranging challenge to his conviction and sentence, a big part of the case decided Wednesday dealt with his claim of ineffective counsel.

See the full article at Stars and Stripes.

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