Raven 23: Presumption of Guilt

How did four highly decorated American soldiers become prisoners of war in their own country? This series re-examines the US Department of Justice’s controversial prosecution following a gun battle in Baghdad between Iraqi insurgents and military contractors. Why did the DOJ hold multiple trials for over a decade? Was the DOJ seeking justice? Or playing politics?

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Raven 23: Presumption of Guilt

The Code of Hammurabi

April 04, 2020 • Think Again • Season 1 • Episode 8

We pick up TWO YEARS after the investigation into the Nisour Square Incident and Blackwaters alleged misconduct

US District Judge Ricardo Urbina throws out the case against Dustin Heard, Evan Liberty, Paul Slough and Nick Slatten, blasting prosecutors for pervasive misconduct and vindictive prosecution.

The Raven 23 men pick up their lives cautiously after Urbina’s New Year’s Eve 2009 ruling, trying to resurrect their dreams for themselves and their families.

Meanwhile, the Bush and succeeding Obama administrations grapple with shifting politics in Iraq, including the country’s first presidential election and negotiation of the status of forces agreement that will determine how long US troops may remain in Iraq.

FOR MORE:

POLITICO
Judge Dismisses Blackwater Case
https://www.politico.com/story/2009/12/judge-dismisses-blackwater-case-031091

MEMORANDUM OF DISMISSAL
Judge Ricardo Urbina Comments on Dismissal of Charges
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/documents/memorandum-of-dismissal-of-charges-against-blackwater-guards

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