Defending Backwater Private Security Contractors in Iraq is the last thing I thought I'd be doing with my first few diaries on Daily Kos, but after the fold, that's what I intend to do. I wrote a diary yesterday that outlined some aspects of what is being referred to as a groundbreaking lawsuit, brought before the courts by the families of the four Blackwater contractors that were slain and hung from a bridge.
The families are alleging wrongful death and fraud. The case was originally filed in Wake County Superior Court in Raleigh, North Carolina, and was later moved to federal court. At present, the company and the plaintiffs are contesting which court should hear the case. Also, Blackwater has recently filed a motion to dismiss the case, providing copies of contracts signed by the four saying they would assume any risks from working under "volatile, hostile and extremely dangerous circumstances."
Why do I feel this case is so important? More after the fold.
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