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June 4, 2013

Fort Hood Massacre Suspect to Defend Himself at Military Trial 
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A military judge says the U.S. Army psychiatrist accused of massacring
13 people at Fort Hood, Texas, in 2009 can represent himself at his
trial. Major Nidal Hasan could face the death penalty for allegedly
opening fire on fellow soldiers. Hasan says he will defend himself based
on a so-called defense of others argument, which would require him to
prove he was protecting others from imminent harm. There is speculation
Hasan might try to argue he was protecting potential victims of the U.S.
war in Afghanistan from soldiers at the fort who were set to deploy
there. Hasan's defense strategy will allow him to question the people he
is charged with wounding during the rampage.

 

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