This is really going to make the Iraqis happy!!!!
"Immunity Deals Offered to Blackwater Guards"
"State Department investigators offered Blackwater USA security guards immunity during an inquiry into last month’s deadly shooting of 17 Iraqis in Baghdad.
The State Department investigators from the agency’s investigative arm, the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, offered the immunity grants even though they did not have the authority to do so. Most of the guards who took part in the Sept. 16 shooting were offered what officials described as limited-use immunity, which means that they were promised that they would not be prosecuted for anything.
Spokesmen for the State and Justice Departments would not comment on the matter. Several legal experts said evidence gathered by Iraqi investigators and turned over to the Americans, even within days, would probably be suspect."
Immunity is intended to protect the Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination while still giving investigators the ability to gather evidence. Usually, people suspected of crimes are not given immunity and such grants are not made."
"Immunity Deal Hampers Blackwater Inquiry" by Lara Jakes Jordan/Associated Press October 30, 2007
"A senior law enforcement official familiar with the investigation: "Once you give immunity, you can't take it away.''
Three senior law enforcement officials said all the Blackwater bodyguards involved - both in the vehicle convoy and in at least two helicopters above - were given the legal protection.
Prosecutors in the Justice Department's criminal division realized it could not bring charges against Blackwater guards based on their statements to the Diplomatic Security investigators.
Officials said the Blackwater bodyguards spoke only after receiving so-called "Garrity'' protections, requiring that their statements only be used internally - and not for criminal prosecutions.
Specialists said it's rare for them to be given to all or even most witnesses - particularly before a suspect is identified."
How about that, huh, readers?
MURDERING with IMMUNITY -- PRIVARELY, of course!
Sniiiiiiiiiifffffff!
Ah, the shitstinking smell of Bush's "liberations."
Liberating the US' contracted killers!!!!!!
