US soldier faces Iraq abuse trial

[Talon]

US soldier faces Iraq abuse trial

A woman soldier accused of abusing soldiers at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq is to face a court martial in January, the US army has said.

Private Lynndie England was pictured holding an Iraqi prisoner on a leash and pointing at inmates' genitals.

The soldier, 21, faces 19 charges, that carry a maximum of 38 years in jail.

Her military trial is scheduled for 17-28 January, Lt Gen John Vines, commander of the 18th Airborne Corps at Fort Bragg, told the Associated Press.

Pte England is among seven soldiers at Abu Ghraib charged so far, though a US army report has said 27 military intelligence personnel were involved in the abuse.

Pte England's legal team has argued she was following orders to soften prisoners up for interrogation.

Her lawyers said they had received preliminary notification of the decision by military authorities.

"They are moving ahead with a court-martial," lawyer Rhidian Orr told Agence France Press.

The lawyer did not specify what charges England would face during her court martial.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/3694182.stm