In a stunning example of not looking out for our soldier's best interests, the US government withheld information in the case of Bob Bales that could have completely changed the outcome of his case.
United States v. Staff Sergeant Robert Bales involves the tragic deaths of Afghan civilians in March 2012 in Panjawai, Afghainstan. Bales pled guilty, and was sentenced to life without parole.
But, there are two constitutional problems with his case:
First, the prosecution failed to disclose to the defense and to the sanity board that Bales was administered the anti-malarial drug mefloquine, for which the FDA issued a black box warning that it is known to cause long-term psychotic effects. This position was confirmed by the world's leading expert in this area, Dr. Reminginton Nevin, formerly of the 82nd Airborne Division who now has dedicated his life's work to preventing others from mefloquine poisoning.
Second, the prosecution flew Afghans into the United States on Delta airlines from Atlanta, Georgia to Seattle, Washington, to testify against Staff Sergeant Bales. The prosecution portrayed them as gardeners. However, at least three left their fingerprints and skin (DNA) on roadside bombs proving that they are terrorist bomb-makers. These facts which should have been disclosed to the defense for use during the sentencing hearing.
You can read the US Supreme Court petition here. The case alleges that Bales' trial and sentencing hearing were unconstitutional.
Hear John discuss mefloquine and the Bales case.
