Trump Pardons Killers In Baghdad Massacre

Ex-soldiers’ punishments set aside

- Eric Tucker

US President Donald Trump has pardoned four contractors convicted of a 2007 massacre in Baghdad that left more than a dozen civilians dead.

Supporters of the former contractors at Blackwater Worldwide lobbied for the pardons, arguing the men had been excessively punished in an inquiry and prosecution they said was tainted.

Paul Slough, Evan Liberty, and Dustin Heard were handed 30-year terms. Nicholas Slatten, whom prosecutors blamed for starting the firefight, was sentenced to life in prison.

Slough’s lawyer Brian Heberlig said: “He and his colleagues didn’t deserve to spend one minute in prison.

“I am overwhelmed with emotion.”