Closing arguments under way in Marine hearing

CAMP LEJEUNE (AP) — Closing arguments are underway before a military panel investigating the fatal shooting of Afghan civilians in an incident involving a Marine special operations
unit.

The Court of Inquiry will hear statements Tuesday before reviewing about 5,000 pages of evidence related to the March 4 shootings. The court will recommend whether criminal charges be filed against two officers in charge of the unit.

A government lawyer said the unit was out to prove itself and ignored initial orders to only gather intelligence. Major Phillip Sanchez also accused Marines of lying during testimony about another incident.

Civilian lawyer Knox Nunnally said the Marines were treated unfairly. He also said Afghans who said they were wounded were told by village elders to lie to collect government payments.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)