US Army general asserts right to silence in Abu Ghraib trial News
US Army general asserts right to silence in Abu Ghraib trial

[JURIST] US Army Maj. Gen. Geoffrey Miller has invoked his right not to incriminate himself by refusing to answer questions in two courts-martial against soldiers accused of using dogs as an intimidation tactic at the US-operated Abu Ghraib prison facility [JURIST news archive] in Iraq. Miller, who helped establish operations at Abu Ghraib, invoked his military Article 31 rights [FLETC backgrounder], similar to Fifth Amendment rights for civilians, after a military judge ruled that he could be questioned by lawyers representing the dog-handlers. Miller's defense lawyer said he decided not to answer questions because he has repeatedly interviewed [JURIST report] over the last few years about his time in Iraq and his supervisory role at Guantanamo Bay [JURIST news archive]. Military lawyers representing the dog-handlers, however, have said that Miller's refusal to answer further questions indicates he may have information that intimidation orders were given by a higher chain of command and not simply independent actions by a few soldiers. Miller has previously apologized [JURIST report] for "illegal" acts committed by soldiers at the Abu Ghraib prison. The Washington Post has more.