Soldier waives right to challenge Abu Ghraib charges

US soldier Lynndie England today surrendered her right to challenge the seven charges she faces as a result of the Abu Ghraib prison abuse scandal, moving her one step closer to a new military trial.

Her defence lawyer, Capt Jonathan Crisp, would not provide details as to why he decided not to go forward with the Article 32 hearing – the military equivalent of a grand jury proceeding, in which it is determined whether there is enough evidence to go to trial. He said only that it was part of an evolving trial strategy.