Please post the article and link to which you refer.
Does it say anything more than this?
Veteran's War Crime Claims in Question
by Pamela Hess
May 25, 2006
WASHINGTON, May 24, 2006 (UPI) -- An independent video company this week suspended distribution of an interview with a purported recently retired Army Ranger who alleges American soldiers committed major war crimes. The man, Jesse Macbeth, claims to be a member of Iraq Veterans Against War, a Philadelphia outfit.
IVAW disavowed Macbeth May 23.
"Iraq Veterans Against the War recently learned of a video interview with Jesse MacBeth that directs viewers to IVAW's Web site and phone number. IVAW was not made aware of the creation of this video program and our input on it was never sought by its producers. Jesse MacBeth is not a spokesperson for IVAW and any claims made by MacBeth about his service have not been verified. We are currently investigating these claims and will have a full statement pending its resolution," it states on its Web site.
Macbeth apparently spoke at a March 19 anti-war rally in Tacoma, Wash., sponsored by IVAW and other organizations.
Michael Blake, an intern with IVAW, confirmed an association with Macbeth.
"We do know him, he came to our organization for help," said Blake on Wednesday.
Black would not say what sort of help was sought or rendered. Neither would he say whether IVAW had vetted Macbeth's credentials before allowing him to speak at the rally.
"What's going on right now is we are investigating his claims. We're skeptical of his claims," Blake said, and hung up.
Consequently, Pepperspray Productions, a company in Seattle has pulled the film, "Jesse Macbeth: An Iraq Veteran Speaks Out."
The video was directed by Randy Rowland, a Vietnam war veteran, anti-war activist, and director. He did not return repeated calls for comment, nor did Pepperspray respond to messages.
The tape aired on public access television in Seattle in April on the show "Indymedia Presents."
Army spokesman Lt. Col. Carl Ey told UPI the Army has no record of a Jesse Macbeth in the Army Rangers, nor in Special Forces, as he also claims. |
