US reservist found guilty of Abu Ghraib abuses

FORT HOOD, Texas - A military jury has found army reservist Sabrina Harman guilty of all but one charge related to the abuse of Iraqi prisoners at Abu Ghraib in a scandal that badly damaged America's image abroad.

Harman, 27, appeared in some of the most notorious Abu Ghraib prison photographs, including one in which she posed with a pyramid of naked detainees.

The jury found Harman guilty of one count of conspiracy related to that incident, which was broadcast across the world's media a year ago.

In only the second Abu Ghraib case to go to trial, the military panel also found Harman placed wires on a hooded Iraqi and warned him he would be electrocuted if he stepped off a box -- one of five maltreatment charges she faced.

She was found guilty on that charge even though Ivan Frederick, another soldier already convicted of Abu Ghraib abuses, testified last week he placed the wires. The incident at the prison outside Baghdad became a symbol of American arrogance following the Bush administration's decision to wage war against Iraq.

A former pizza restaurant worker, Harman, 27, who pleaded innocent last week, could face a maximum of 5-1/2 years in prison. The court will begin the penalty phase of her trial on Tuesday.

Harman, who holds the rank of specialist, showed no visible reaction as the jury foreman read out the verdict. She had no comment as she left the courthouse.

The jury found Harman not guilty on one of seven charges, that she had maltreated prisoners by photographing and videotaping detainees forced to masturbate at Abu Ghraib. That charge could have added an additional year to her sentence.

Earlier on Monday, Harman's lawyer showed the jury a letter she had written to her room mate just days before the most notorious abuses took place.

"Kelly, I don't like that any more. At first it was funny, but these people are going too far," Harman wrote to her room mate on October 20, 2003. "At first I had to laugh. The only reason I want to be there is to get the pictures to prove the US is not what they think.

"But I don't know if I can take it mentally. What if that was me in their shoes? These people will be our future terrorists. Kelly, it's awful ... Both sides of me think it's wrong. I thought I could handle anything; I was wrong."

The defence introduced the handwritten letter to Harman's best friend and roommate, Kelly Bryant, in explaining why the reservist had photographed scenes of abuse.

"Shame on the Army for putting in an ill-equipped, ill-trained specialist in a position where she has to challenge her NCO (noncommissioned officer) leadership. ... This is not one of the Army's highest moments," defence lawyer Frank Spinner said in his closing arguments.

In his closing arguments, prosecutor Captain Chris Graveline portrayed Harman as a willing and active participant.

"She was entirely into this maltreatment," he said. "This is not funny. It is not a joke, and there is something wrong with this."

Six US soldiers including Frederick have already pleaded guilty to Abu Ghraib abuses. Ringleader Charles Graner was convicted to 10 years in prison in January.

Lynndie England, the woman photographed holding a leash to the neck of a naked prisoner, pleaded guilty. But the judge in the Abu Ghraib cases, James Pohl, declared a mistrial after defence lawyers presented information suggesting she was innocent and was following orders.

- REUTERS