Four former Blackwater security guards were found guilty yesterday for their roles in the imfamous 2007 mass shooting in Baghdad that left at least 14 civilians dead and deepened resentment of America´s involvement in Iraq.
“This verdict is a resounding affirmation of the commitment of the American people to the rule of law, even in times of war,” US Attorney Ronald Machen said in a statement.
The four ex-employees of the US private security firm were convicted on an array of charges ranging from first degree murder to voluntary manslaughter.
Their convictions followed a two-month trial that heard how they opened fire with sniper rifles, machine guns and grenade launchers in Baghdad´s bustling Nisour Square as they escorted a diplomatic convoy.
The federal court jury in Washington found Nicholas Slatten guilty of first-degree murder.
Paul Slough, Evan Liberty and Dustin Heard were found guilty of voluntary manslaughter.
