Captain Bjork's accusers former Iraqi police, intel officer

Commentary by Kay B. Day

I'm posting this as we travel, and my connection isn't the best. But I spoke with Victor Kelley today. Kelley is the attorney for Capt. Carl Bjork, a decorated soldier serving in the U.S. Army. Bjork just went through an Article 32 after accusations were made by Iraqi detainees.

Kelley told me the accusers are former Iraqi police (3) and one former Iraqi intel officer. My phone connection was barely audible--it's raining frogs and fish right now so to speak. But one of the accusations relates to a brother of a local chief of police who was executed by an Iraqi tribe.

Bjork was not present at the execution. Bjork did not command the area.

What Bjork did--he trained Iraqi police.

The captain's accusers gave stories that were inconsistent. As we reported in a previous post, the accusers were allowed to converse and apparently attempted to come up with consistent versions. They've made multiple statements, and a thinking woman would perceive they're trying to save their own skins for whatever crimes they have committed. Accusing a U.S. officer could be a great method for distraction.

Somewhere in the mix of accusations, the Iraqi detainees are pointing fingers at Bjork over 2 dead insurgents.

Kelley said, "The investigation took more than 2 years. It was completed in 2008. I think this could have been resolved much more efficiently."

Kelley has more experience dealing with military law than most anyone else I can think of. Obviously he believes Bjork is getting a raw deal.

Judging by the more than 4,000 people who support Bjork and by the volume of email I'm getting, including dozens of testimonials to the captain's integrity, I think he's getting  a raw deal too.

Why we are pandering to Iraqi detainees who can't even tell a straight story is beyond me. If you think the charges sound confusing, so do I. We could probably admit to ourselves that when someone is weaving fiction, the results can be confusing because the truth is nowhere to be found.

A commenter named Dan offered additional information in response to our column on Thursday: "I served with Carl during the time he was accused of these actions and it's a bogus charge. As for the Iraqis who are testifying against him, what a group of liars. The leader of them being a former 'interrogator' of the previous Iraqi regime. It's a sad day for the country when a hero, a leader and a citizen is charged for something he didn't do by the enemy."

More later when I have a better connection.

Photo of Capt. Carl Bjork, a decorated soldier facing inconsistent accusations from former Iraqi police and an intel officer. [Photo provided by Capt.Bjork's family]

Article 32 for Capt. Carl Bjork in Iraq—the desecration of a hero

Commentary by Kay B. Day

Update May 11: Capt. Carl Bjork's verdicts are in--a mixed blessing. Read our latest article about Bjork's trial and sentencing, Capt. Bjork's verdict--a study in trickle down policy...

Update Feb. 12: Since this story was written new facts have emerged about Capt. Carl Bjork's case. His accusers are not 'insurgents.' They are former Iraqi police officials. Please read Milblogger's post a backgrounder for Capt. Carl Bjork's case.

Capt. Carl Bjork awaits word on the outcome of testimony given as part of an Article 32 hearing in Iraq, undertaken because Iraqi “insurgents” accused the captain of murder. Before we talk about those Iraqis, we need to talk about the captain.

People have emailed and phoned me to talk about Bjork. The overwhelming impression I’ve formed—the captain is a man among men.

One man who wishes to remain anonymous knows Bjork well, from running missions together. Bjork, said my caller, “has detained hundreds of insurgents…he was promoted from lieutentant to captain after serving in Iraq…he was in charge of training Iraqi police. He’s the ultimate American soldier. He does everything by the book. He even read the Koran before he went to Iraq. He would never do anything unlawful.”

Photo from the Facebook group page Support Carl Bjork. Anyone can join the group.
Bjork’s attorney Victor Kelley told Washington Times radio show host Rick Amato on Wednesday Bjork has received the Bronze Star and a number of commendations for his service.

My caller said he heard from Bjork recently. “His Article 32 ended Wednesday…they have a certain amount of time before they decide whether to court martial him or not.” My caller said Bjork learned he was being investigated after he left Iraq. “Then they stuck him at Ft. Knox…they wouldn’t let him leave or get promoted…they kept him stuck in his job.”

Kelley, whose law firm includes the division The National Military Justice Group, has done two interviews with Amato. The US Report has attempted to contact Kelley but we realize his travel schedule and commitments more than likely have him time challenged.

Kelley told Amato in the second interview there were between 14-20 witnesses in the hearing. The accusations are levied by 4 Iraqi “insurgents.” Kelley dropped a bombshell.

“Several CID agents testified telephonically, and one NCIS and the lead agent…it’s pretty remarkable. [The lead agent] testified he was questioning one of the Iraqis and the Iraqi suggested bringing another witness in over inconsistencies…and then they brought Iraqi #3 in…and then #4…they’re getting information through an interpreter…he’s getting different signals.”

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