US Army soldier Bowe Bergdahl formally charged with 'desertion' over disappearance in Afghanistan
Mr Bergdahl did not enter a plea at his hearing Tuesday
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A military court formally charged US Army sergeant Bowe Bergdahl Tuesday over leaving his post in Afganistan in June 2009, Army officials told The Independent.
Sergeant Bergdahl, 29, was released from Taliban captivity in May 2014, in exchange for the release of five Afghan Taliban detainees from the U.S. military detention facility at Guantanamo Bay. Republican politicians have roundly criticized the administration of President Barack Obama for brokering the deal, which they said threatened international security.
Sergeant Bergdahl was charged at the court at the Fort Bragg base in North Carolina on charges of “Desertion with Intent to Shirk Important or Hazardous Duty” and “Misbehavior Before The Enemy by Endangering the Safety of a Command, Unit or Place.”
"The military judge discussed the rights held by the accused, and inquired on the record regarding current military counsel and civilian counsel. Sergeant Bergdahl indicated he was satisfied with his defense counsel," Army spokesman John Boyce said shortly after the hearing.
"The judge explained Sergeant Bergdahl's right to be tried before a panel or a military judge. The judge also inquired if Sergeant Bergdahl wished to enter any motions or a plea at this time. Sergeant Bergdahl deferred all these decisions to a later hearing.
His next hearing will be held on January 12, Mr Boyce added.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments