Irish soldiers in YouTube charge

THREE Irish soldiers are due to be charged next week in relation to a YouTube “gun pointing” controversy in Liberia.

An investigation by military police has been completed and has recommended the soldiers be charged in relation to the matter.

In June last, it emerged that video footage had been uploaded on the popular website. The images appeared to show Irish peacekeeping soldiers pointing their weapons at locals in Liberia and pretending to fire.

A spokesman for the Defence Forces yesterday said military police had recommended that three soldiers face charges under the Defence Act.

He said the charges were not serious enough for an automatic court martial and proceedings would, instead, be heard by the soldiers’ commanding officer.

The soldiers involved are stationed at Stephen’s Barracks in Kilkenny.

The spokesman said the commanding officer can refer a charge for court martial if he judges it serious enough. The soldiers also have the right to go for a full court martial.

One of the soldiers is expected to be charged with conduct which would prejudice the good order and discipline of the Defence Forces. He is also charged with uploading the video contrary to instructions.

The other two soldiers are expected to be charged with pointing loaded weapons at members of the public.

The hearing, which will be based at Stephen’s Barracks, will hear evidence from witnesses and is expected to last one day.

The commanding officer can dismiss the case or bring in a guilty finding.

In such a situation, he could issue a reprimand, a severe reprimand or fine the soldiers a maximum of three days’ pay.

If a solider is found guilty of any offence it is marked on his or her record. If a person builds up enough minor convictions or a serious one it can effect their career.

The footage on YouTube which had been dubbed with fake gunfire, was taken off the website at the request of the Defence Forces.