JURIST - Paper Chase: Trial opens for Marine accused in death of Iraqi prisoner

The trial of Reserve Sgt. Gary Pittman, one of three charged in the June 2003 death of an Iraqi detainee at a prison near Nasiriyah, began Monday and is expected to last for about three weeks. Pittman, who is based out of Camp Pendelton, faces two dereliction of duty and four assault charges, which could result in a three-year prison sentence if he is convicted. Pittman and two other Marines were charged in the death of Nagem Sadoon Hatab, an Iraqi prisoner who was suffocated. Hatab's death was the first of an Iraqi prisoner announced by the Pentagon. The court-martial proceedings had been delayed to allow the defense more time to prepare. AP has more.