Blackwater disclosed that it engaged in 195 shootings since 2005, wherein its personnel shot first 84% of the time.The security contractor Blackwater has been running loose in Iraq above the law and to the detriment of ordinary Iraqis. Amnesty International is calling for greater accountability in the contracting of such entities.
On September 16, 2007, private contractors working for the U.S.-based company Blackwater Worldwide shot and killed 17 Iraqi civilians in streets near Nisour Square, Baghdad. The shootings occurred while Blackwater was under a contract with the U.S. State Department.
So pleased the government is with this excellent track record, it renewed Blackwater's contract.
It probably sounds like I am being a bit hyperbolic. The government takes no pride in such slaughter, right?
The State Department did conduct "investigations" -- probably so it could say it did -- but it also gave Blackwater contractors immunity for providing information about the shootings. "Just admit you did it, and we won't punish you... we'll even renew your contract."
Amnesty is calling for the contract's suspension.
3 comments:
On Iraq's harbor
Sippin' on Black Water
Call me cynical, but I'm not surprised.
Oh yeah, speaking of Amnesty, does anyone know what cities they are having the replica of a Guantanamo cell in? I just remember it wasn't New York or Chicago. Unless they extended it..
Definitely something I'd like to see.
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