Hearing due today for accused SEAL - Military News | News From Afghanistan, Iraq And Around The World - Military Times

Hearing due today for accused SEAL

NORFOLK, Va. — One of three Navy SEALs accused in the mistreatment of an Iraqi detainee is due in military court in Norfolk.

The court-martial of Special Operator 1st Class (SEAL) Julio Huertas is scheduled for Monday morning. However, defense attorney Monica Lombardi says prosecutors are asking for a continuance.

Huertas has pleaded not guilty to charges of dereliction of duty, lying to investigators and impeding an investigation.

Another SEAL is accused of punching Ahmed Hashim Abed, the suspected mastermind of the 2004 slayings of four U.S. contractors in Iraq. He and a third SEAL also are accused of dereliction of duty and lying to investigators. Their military trials are set for Jan. 19 and April 6.

The SEALs have received an outpouring of public support, including the backing of several members of Congress.

Related reading

• Prosecutors seek to delay SEAL detainee trials

• General: SEAL abuse charges justified

• SEAL pleads not guilty in Iraq detainee case