judge removes prosecutor from navy seal war crimes case

President Trump, who intervened to move Gallagher to better confinement, has considered dismissing the charges.

Republicans in Congress have rallied in support of Gallagher, saying he has been mistreated. The removal of Czaplak could delay the trial, scheduled to start June 10. Last week, Rugh unexpectedly released Gallagher from custody as a remedy for interference by prosecutors in the middle of a hearing that also included accusations they withheld evidence from the defense. “Chief Petty Officer Gallagher is entitled to a fair trial, and the Navy is committed to upholding that principle,” O’Rourke said. The Navy would not say if he would remain on the team.Ĭzaplak will be replaced with another attorney from the Navy, spokesman Brian O’Rourke said. His commanders ordered him to stop participating in the case last week, and he didn’t appear at hearings on Thursday and Friday.

Conor McMahon, a Marine Corps lawyer assigned to the case, will not be removed, Rugh said.īut it’s not clear whether McMahon will stay on the prosecution team. “Unwise is overly optimistic His conduct has been entirely inappropriate.”Ĭapt. “Unprecedented is too tame a description for what he did,” said Solis, who applauded the ruling.

Judge removes prosecutor from navy seal war crimes case