Corporal Trent Thomas plead guilty to kidnapping, murder, and lying to investigators. He has since changed his plea, forcing prosecutors to restart the case. Thomas plead guilty last month to being part of a unit of seven marines who kidnapped and killed an unarmed Iraqi man. Four others in the case plead guilty to lesser charges. Thomas, who was second in command, faced life under his guilty plea.

It seems as though Thomas’ lawyers are taking a page from the Nazi handbook, arguing that Thomas was simply following orders. Perhaps every soldier ought to wear a wristband for inspiration when they’re given orders to do something immoral – What Would Watada Do?

The case is one of a series in which US military personnel in Iraq damaged the image of the US through the use of excessive or unjustified force. Prosecutors said they now plan to reissue charges that may include premeditated murder, which would put Thomas at risk of a death sentence. Defense lawyers intend to argue that Thomas was simply following the orders of the unit commander when he took part in the killing.

The marines allegedly plotted to capture and kill a suspected terrorist and make the incident look like a legitimate battle. When the marines did not find the suspect at home, they allegedly grabbed a neighbor, Hashim Ibrahim Awad, instead.

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