This case is dripping with double standards and political intrigue as the Pentagon attempts to appease Washington's political establishment and press. When the defense team previously sought to take General Mattis' sworn deposition to support our motion, it was denied. Now prosecutors, with little trouble, get to call him as their witness.
While Gen. Mattis deserves the utmost respect, there is irony with his involvement in this case. Gen. Mattis was investigated for ordering a ground and air assault of an Iraqi 'wedding party' in 2004 that resulted in the deaths of 40 men, women, and children. At a press conference shortly after the incident, he defended his actions by saying, 'I don't have to apologize for the conduct of my Marines.' What is puzzling is that even though Mattis rightfully was never charged with any criminal wrongdoing in that case, he did not give LtCol Chessani the same consideration.