Judge moves military trial of Navy SEAL accused of mistreating detainee to US base in Iraq

Navy SEAL’s trial in detainee abuse moved to Iraq

NORFOLK, Va. — A Navy SEAL accused in the mistreatment of an Iraqi detainee will be tried in a U.S. military court in Iraq.

A military judge in Virginia on Monday set the court-martial of Petty Officer 2nd Class Jonathan Keefe for April 6 at Camp Victory, site of the alleged abuse.

Keefe and another SEAL are accused of trying to cover up after a third SEAL allegedly punched an Iraqi suspected in a 2004 ambush that killed four U.S. security contractors.

Prosecutors said they would not bring the detainee to Norfolk to testify. The judge ruled Keefe has the right to face his accuser and moved his trial. Keefe is from Yorktown, Va.

The three SEALs have received an outpouring of public support, including the backing of several members of Congress.