Ellmers to Etheridge: Stop Court-Martial of Navy SEALs

The following press release was distributed today by the Ellmers campaign.

For Immediate Release:
December 18, 2009

(Dunn, NC) - Last September, a team of Navy Seals captured the most wanted terrorist in Iraq. Now, three of the Seals are being court-martialed because the terrorist, Ahmed Hashim Abed, claims he was mistreated. Republican candidate for Congress Renee Ellmers, today, wrote Congressman Bob Etheridge asking why he did not join 40 other Congressmen who are urging the Navy to stop the court-martial.

"This is another sign that Washington is broken," Ellmers said. "These three sailors risked their lives to capture one of the most dangerous terrorist in Iraq. But instead of being decorated they are being court-martialed. It is time for Congressman Etheridge to explain why he thinks that makes sense."

Ellmer's Letter

Congressman Bob Etheridge
1533 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Congressman Etheridge:

In 2004 terrorists in Iraq mutilated and burned the bodies of four American contractors, then hung their bodies from a bridge in Fallujah. Five years later a team of Navy Seals captured the terrorist - Ahmed Hashim Abed - believed to have masterminded the attack.

After he was captured Ahmed Abed alleged he was punched by his captors (he had a cut lip) and, now, three of the Navy Seals - Matthew McCabe, Jonathan Keefe and Julio Huertas - are facing court-martial.

Forty Congressmen signed a letter asking the Navy to stop this court-martial - you did not. We asked these young men to risk their lives to capture a terrorist, they succeeded, and now they are being court-martialed. Does that make sense? I would, respectfully, like to ask why you believe the Navy should proceed to court-martial these three sailors?

Sincerely,

Renee Ellmers

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