SoCal Congressman: Don't Court-Martial Marines Over Urination Video
SAN DIEGO (CBS) — A Southland congressman voiced outraged Wednesday over four Marines who could face a court-martial over a video that shows them allegedly urinating on dead Taliban fighters.
KNX 1070's Tom Reopelle reports Rep. Duncan Hunter is petitioning the Pentagon to change its mind about any potential disciplinary action.
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Hunter (R-San Diego) recently sent a letter to defense secretary Leon Panetta stating that while the soldiers should be disciplined, a court martial would be excessive.
"These Marine snipers killed the enemy," said Hunter. "Once you get past that point, there's not too much more harm you could do to the bad guys after killing them."
The video — which has gone viral online — depicts four Marines standing in a semicircle and urinating on three men in traditional Afghan garb, with one of the victims' shirts stained in blood.
Panetta has assured Afghan leaders of a full investigation, but Hunter doesn't believe one is warranted.
"The problem seems to be the video, so find the guy that took the video and maybe give him some extra punishment beyond non-judicial punishment that all of these Marines will probably be facing, but don't do it excessively," said Hunter.
Hunter, a former Marine himself, served two combat tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan between 2003 and 2004.
