Military high court to hear Abu Ghraib appeals

[David]

AP


HAGERSTOWN, Md. – The U.S. military's highest court is set to hear appeals next month of two cases stemming from the abuse of detainees at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq.

On Oct. 8, Pvt. Michael Smith will challenge his conviction for having his dog bark and lunge at detainees for fun.

Six days later, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces will hear Pvt. Sabrina Harman's appeal. Her offenses include participating in a photographed incident in which a hooded detainee stood on a box while holding wires that he was told would electrocute him if he fell.

These are the first Abu Ghraib appeals to be granted hearings before the high court.

The hearings in Washington are open to the public.