U.S. Soldiers Investigated For Afghan Detainee Deaths

14 October 2004 -- The U.S. Army said in a statement released today that 28 soldiers are being investigated for the deaths of two Afghan detainees who were in U.S. custody in Afghanistan two years ago.

The most serious of the potential charges include manslaughter, involuntary manslaughter, and maiming.

The charges date back to the deaths of the two Afghans at a holding facility at Bagram air base about 40 kilometers outside Kabul. Both the Afghans showed signs of having been beaten.

So far, only one soldier has been formally charged in the case. The commanding officers of the other 27 will determine whether they will face court martial, administrative discipline, or no disciplinary action.

(AP/AFP)