Accessibility links

Breaking News

U.S. Army's Court-Martial Of Bergdahl Postponed Until 2017


The U.S. Army postponed until 2017 its court-martial of Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl (right) for leaving his post in Afghanistan.
The U.S. Army postponed until 2017 its court-martial of Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl (right) for leaving his post in Afghanistan.

The U.S. Army delayed until next year a court-martial of Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl, who is charged with deserting his unit in Afghanistan, leading to his capture by the Taliban for five years.

The U.S. Army announced a February 6, 2017, start date for his trial at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The trial was originally scheduled to start in August, but a military judge delayed proceedings to allow legal teams more time to prepare.

Bergdahl, 30, disappeared from Combat Outpost Mest-Malak in Paktika Province, Afghanistan, on June 20, 2009.

After departing, the soldier was quickly captured by militants from the feared Haqqani faction of the Taliban.

Bergdahl's disappearance triggered a massive search operation.

He was eventually released in 2014 in a controversial prisoner swap for five Taliban prisoners being held by the United States at Guantanamo Bay.

If convicted of desertion, Bergdahl could serve up to five years in prison, receive a dishonorable discharge, lose his rank, and forfeit all pay.

But he also faces a second more serious charge -- "misbehavior before the enemy" -- that could carry a life sentence.

Based on reporting by AP and AFP

RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.

If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us.

To find out more, click here.

XS
SM
MD
LG