Former Blackwater employee won't be charged in shooting of Iraqi security guard

[News_Editor]

Former Blackwater employee won't be charged in shooting of Iraqi security guard

2010-10-19 09:18:42 GMT+7 (ICT)

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON (BNO NEWS) -- Federal prosecutors on Monday said Andrew J. Moonen, a former Blackwater contractor employee, won't be charged in the shooting of Iraqi security guard in 2006.

"The United States Attorney’s Office today informed legal counsel for a former contractor employee that it is closing the investigation into the fatal shooting of Raheem Saadoun, an Iraqi security guard, who was killed on December 24, 2006, in Baghdad, Iraq," said U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan of Seattle in a statement.

U.S. Attorney Durkan stated in a letter to Moonen's attorney that "there is no question that the shooting death of Mr. Saadoun by your client was a tragic event."

However, after reviewing all the available evidence and considering possible affirmative defenses, such as self defense, "prosecutors have concluded there is not sufficient evidence to obtain and sustain a conviction beyond a reasonable doubt."

"United States Ambassador to Iraq James Jeffrey informed Iraq government officials of the decision, and provided a letter to be conveyed to Raheem Saadoun’s family," the statement added.

Saadoun was shot three times while on duty near the Iraqi prime minister's compound inside Baghdad's Green Zone.

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