Caught in lies, Pantano's accuser gets immunity

From News&Observer:

Charles Gittins, a defense attorney for 2nd Lt. Ilario Pantano, said Saturday that his immunity request was granted for the witness, Marine Sgt. Daniel Coburn, clearing the way for the defense to finish its cross-examination.

The request had halted Pantano's pretrial hearing for a day.

Coburn testified earlier this week that Pantano had been instructed to release the prisoners that Pantano eventually shot in the back.

But Coburn abruptly left the stand Wednesday when he was told he was suspected of violating orders forbidding him from giving interviews about the case. He told Marine officials he wouldn't return unless he was granted immunity from prosecution, and came back briefly Friday only to invoke his right to avoid incriminating himself.

Immunity or not his character serves the defense, since the validity of any of his testimony is now in serious doubt. The immunity would be for the acts he's already committed. Any grant of immunity is understood to not include future acts of perjury, otherwise, what would be the point.

Hat tip: Euphoric Reality

Previous coverage:
Pantano goes on trial
Substantive support
Ilario Pantono threatened
More on Lt. Ilario Pantano
The case of Ilario Pantano
Something more for our soldiers to fear

Posted by Danny Carlton at April 30, 2005 03:11 PM