HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND
7115 South Boundary Boulevard
MacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101
Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894
Release Number: 04-08-76
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
COURT GIVES 6-MONTH SENTENCE FOR WEAPONS POSSESSION
BAGHDAD - An 18-year-old man detained by Multi-National Forces March 26 in the vicinity of Samarra, received six months in prison Saturday at the Central Criminal Court of Iraq for possession of a special category weapon.
The defendant was captured after being observed placing an object in the trunk of his car, which had Fedayeen Saddam markings. A search of the vehicle turned up rocket propellant. During a further search of the defendant's home, Soldiers found an improvised explosive device made from a 155mm artillery round, plastic explosives, remote detonator switches, blasting caps, nine AK-47 rifles, one sniper rifle, ammunition, multiple vehicle license plates, and a briefcase full of identification documents and Iraqi dinars.
During the proceedings, the defendant claimed the house belonged to his uncle and that he possessed only two AK-47 rifles for self-defense. After deliberating the case, the three-judge panel determined that the defendant was at least partially responsible for the weapons, found him guilty, and sentenced him to confinement for six months.
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