5 UK marines charged with murder in Afghan death
LONDON - The Associated Press
An Afghan policeman stands guard outside a bunker on top of a hill. REUTERS Photo
Britain’s military says five Royal Marines have been charged with murder over a death in southern Afghanistan.The five are among seven marines arrested last week. The others have been released without charge.
Officials have said the incident involved an insurgent in Helmand province, where the majority of Britain’s 9,500 troops in Afghanistan are deployed. They say no civilians were involved.
The Ministry of Defense says the cases have been referred to the Services Prosecuting Authority, which oversees military trials.
It says the suspects are in custody. They are the first British troops to be charged with murder in Afghanistan since deployments began in 2001.
