The Army’s conduct during these deployments was far from flawless. In addition to credible allegations of #ExcessiveForce, the #Army carried out extensive #domestic #surveillance, often tracking #civilians & #protest groups without legal #authority or #oversight. And although its own use of force was generally restrained, its involvement helped blur the line between #military & #police roles.

Judge Mark S. Norris, who will make the final sentencing judgment, is also overseeing the trials of the remaining 3 officers: Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley & Justin Smith. They are charged w/ use of #ExcessiveForce, conspiracy to commit #WitnessTampering , #obstruction of #justice & deliberate #indifference to #TyreNichols’s #medical condition.

Once a jury is seated, prosecutors & defense lawyers will give their opening statements. The trial is expected to last ~3 wks.
2 of the officers involved in the beating — Desmond Mills Jr. & Emmitt Martin III — have pleaded #guilty to using #ExcessiveForce & a #WitnessTampering #conspiracy. As part of the plea agreements, the #DOJ recommended Martin face a sentence not to exceed 40 yrs in prison & Mills to face no more than 15 yrs.
#CivilRights #SocialJustice #law #BLM #PoliceViolence #HateCrime