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       Accused Fort Hood Shooter Rests Defense Without Calling Witnesses

   by Reuters

   The U.S. Army psychiatrist accused of killing 13 fellow soldiers and
   wounding 31 others in a rampage at Foot Hood, Texas, in 2009 rested his
   defense case in his court-martial on Wednesday without calling any
   witnesses to testify.
   Major Nidal Hasan is acting as his own defense attorney on charges
   stemming from the shooting spree.
   Military judge Colonel Tara Osborn asked Hasan if anyone had forced him
   into his decision to dispense with witnesses and rest his case. "No,
   ma'am," he replied.
   Osborn set closing arguments for Thursday.
   On Tuesday, military prosecutors rested their case in the capital
   murder court-martial of Hasan, an American-born Muslim who has admitted
   in court to being the shooter. He has said he switched sides in what he
   considered a U.S. war against Islam.
   Prosecutors called 89 witnesses in two weeks of testimony, with many
   describing in horrific detail the bloodbath in and around a medical
   building at Fort Hood on Nov. 5, 2009.
   Hasan, 42, had signaled he may not mount any defense. He passed up an
   opportunity on Tuesday to move for an immediate not-guilty verdict,
   which is within a defendant's rights after the prosecution has rested.
   Hasan faces 13 counts of premeditated murder and 32 counts of
   premeditated attempted murder for the 31 people injured plus one he
   shot at and missed. He could face the death penalty if all 13 officers
   on the jury find him guilty.
   He told mental health evaluators that he wanted to become a martyr,
   court documents show. Lawyers assisting him say he is seeking the death
   penalty, but he has disputed that claim.
   Shot by police during the incident, he is paralyzed from the waist down
   and attends court in a wheelchair. He has requested frequent breaks in
   the testimony for rest and for prayer.
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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/reu-accused-fort-hood-shooter-rests-d
   efense-without-calling-witnesses/1734048.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/reu-accused-fort-hood-shooter-rests-defense-without-calling-witnesses/1734048.html