Investigations Following Recruit’s Suicide Expose Rampant Physical, Verbal Abuse In Marines
No formal charges have been filed, but 20 Marines at the Parris Island training facility in South Carolina are facing administrative actions, ranging from counseling, to the most severe punishments of military charges and courts-martial.
The Wall Street Journal:
Marine Corps Officials Recommend Charges In Death Of Muslim Recruit
The U.S. Marine Corps has completed three internal investigations into the death of a Muslim recruit that recommend criminal charges or administrative action against as many as 20 Marines, officials said. Investigators found that a drill instructor allegedly physically abused Raheel Siddiqui and referred to him as a terrorist, said the Marine officials, who described details of the completed probes to The Wall Street Journal. ... Mr. Siddiqui fell three stories to his death in what the military classified as a suicide. New details emerging from the investigations indicate Mr. Siddiqui leapt from the balcony of a barracks building after he was slapped in the face by the drill instructor, according to Marine officials. (Lubold and Sonne, 9/8)
The Associated Press:
Marines Uncover Wide Abuse, Hazing After Recruit's Suicide
The Marine Corps is considering possible punishments and potential courts-martial for up to 20 officers and enlisted leaders in the wake of investigations into the suicide of a 20-year-old recruit at its Parris Island training facility in South Carolina. The results of three investigations released Thursday found trainees — and even some drill instructors — were subjected to repeated incidents of verbal and physical abuse at the storied training site. It also faulted commanders for not paying enough attention to what was going on. (9/9)
