2008 Woodie Awards
Lynndie England Found Guilty With Six Charges in Abu Ghraib Prison Scandal
Army Reservist Lynndie England was found guilty of six charges in the Iraqi prison abuse scandal.
Nancy Aguirre
Issue date: 10/7/05 Section: News
Army Pfc. Lynndie R. England, the reservist whose smiling face was captured in photos, surrounded by naked prisoners at Baghdad's Abu Ghraib prison, is now facing as many as ten years in prison. She was found guilty of six of the seven charges against her on Sept. 26 in the final court martial.
Though an appeal is possible, the photos are more than enough evidence. Her defense lawyers never denied that England, twenty two years old, had participated in the mistreatment. She has been sentenced on one count of conspiracy, four counts of maltreating detainees, and one count of committing an indecent act. She was acquitted on a second conspiracy count.
Her defense lawyer, Capt. Jonathan Crisp, did say that that England was only trying to please her soldier boyfriend, then-Corporal Charles Graner Jr., labeled the abuse ringleader by prosecutors. Graner, who is now serving a ten year sentence, is the father of England's son.
It was also argued that England suffered from depression as well as learning disabilities, and that she has an overly compliant personality, making her a heedless participant in the abuse.
Capt. Crisp expressed no surprise when hearing the verdict. "I guess the only reaction I can say is, I understand," he said in brief comments to reporters.
Prosecutors used graphic photos of England to support their conclusion that she had been a key figure in the abuse conspiracy. In one photo, she is seen laughing, while pointing to a group of prisoners in humiliating poses. In another photo, she is seen holding a naked detainee on a leash.
Her personal statement to Army investigators in January 2002 was used as well. She told them that the mistreatment was conducted in order to amuse the US guards at Abu Ghraib.
Capt. Chris Graveline, the lead prosecutor, stated that "The accused knew what she was doing, she was laughing and joking ... She is enjoying, she is participating, all for her own sick humor."
Nine Army reservists have been charged with mistreating prisoners at Abu Ghraib. England's trial was the last of this group. Two others have been convicted at trial and the remaining six made plea deals. Several of those soldiers testified at England's trial.
Though an appeal is possible, the photos are more than enough evidence. Her defense lawyers never denied that England, twenty two years old, had participated in the mistreatment. She has been sentenced on one count of conspiracy, four counts of maltreating detainees, and one count of committing an indecent act. She was acquitted on a second conspiracy count.
Her defense lawyer, Capt. Jonathan Crisp, did say that that England was only trying to please her soldier boyfriend, then-Corporal Charles Graner Jr., labeled the abuse ringleader by prosecutors. Graner, who is now serving a ten year sentence, is the father of England's son.
It was also argued that England suffered from depression as well as learning disabilities, and that she has an overly compliant personality, making her a heedless participant in the abuse.
Capt. Crisp expressed no surprise when hearing the verdict. "I guess the only reaction I can say is, I understand," he said in brief comments to reporters.
Prosecutors used graphic photos of England to support their conclusion that she had been a key figure in the abuse conspiracy. In one photo, she is seen laughing, while pointing to a group of prisoners in humiliating poses. In another photo, she is seen holding a naked detainee on a leash.
Her personal statement to Army investigators in January 2002 was used as well. She told them that the mistreatment was conducted in order to amuse the US guards at Abu Ghraib.
Capt. Chris Graveline, the lead prosecutor, stated that "The accused knew what she was doing, she was laughing and joking ... She is enjoying, she is participating, all for her own sick humor."
Nine Army reservists have been charged with mistreating prisoners at Abu Ghraib. England's trial was the last of this group. Two others have been convicted at trial and the remaining six made plea deals. Several of those soldiers testified at England's trial.