Thanks to NPR station KJZZ’s Rene Gutel, an update on Leonard Clark is listed on the above link. Her previous story, the update and the release from CENTCOM can be found there. Rene was one of the first reporters to cover this story and I’m glad she provided the update. There has not been alot of media attention about this since the inital reports of his detention.
If you read the press release it states what he was charged with:
Article 92 (Failure to obey order), 11 specifications; by releasing classified information regarding unit soldiers and convoys being attacked or hit by an improvised explosive devices on various dates, discussing troop movements on various dates, releasing Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures and Rules of Engagement used by the unit on various dates, in violation of a lawful general order prohibiting the release of such information.
Article 134 (Reckless endangerment), 2 specifications; by releasing specific information, on various dates regarding Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures and Rules of Engagement used by his unit and encouraging its widespread publication, such that the enemy forces could foreseeably access the information, such that with that information it was likely that the enemy forces could cause death or serious bodily harm to U.S. forces engaged in the same or similar mission.
It also states he was found guilty and did not appeal. His sentence/punishment was reduction to Private First Class (E-3), forfeiture of $820 per month for two months, 45 days restriction, and 45 days of extra duty. Both the restriction and extra duty were suspended for five months.
The blog was not mentioned as part of the press release. According to Rene, there was also an email sent by Leonard Clark that states he will not be writing about Iraq or the war while he is in Iraq. All previous posts on his blog, including recent ones linking KJZZ’s first report and the one article from Arizona Republic have been removed.
For those wondering about Khalid Jarrar, the Iraqi blogger who has been arrested in Iraq, last information is that he is still being held. No charges have yet been filed. His brother has stated they are expecting more information soon.
Thanks for this. I’ve been scanning google to try to find out what happened to him since hsi site went dead and Kevin Spidel stopped blogging about him.
Doesn’t sound good, but i hope he has a good lawyer. This is a politically motivated prosecution if there ever was one.
Thanks Steven, I know you were involved in following this story like I was. You were responsible for a great deal of the media attention thru your posts on this.
I was hesitant when it became obvious there was no media person available and then Kevin’s last comment on it but felt it important to update.
My initial impression of this being a free speech issue has changed, but not having all of the full details I am being cautious. I think at this point now that Leonard has not appealed the sentence/punishment and has stated he is no longer going to write about the war or Iraq while he is still in the military we will have to wait until he is stateside to get the full answers as to what happened.
I’m just hoping he makes it back. Those messages he sent were heart wrenching.