– US Army doctor charged with sexual assault
A US Army anesthesiologist has been charged with sexual assault, in a case believed to involve at least 23 alleged victims.
Published: 31.08.2023, 22:19
US President Joe Biden signed an executive order last month that changes the way the military investigates sexual assault cases. (Pretext image)
AFP
The US military has charged a military doctor with sexual assault, a spokeswoman said Thursday, in a case that involves more than 20 alleged victims.
Major Michael Stockin, an anesthesiologist who joined the army in May 2013 and is stationed in Washington State (northwest), was charged this week, said Lt. Col. Jennifer Bocanegra. The charges include “non-consensual sexual contact” and looks considered inappropriate, she said.
These charges will be examined at a hearing by an “independent officer”, responsible for determining whether they are “sufficient from a legal point of view”, added the spokesperson. According to the ‘Washington Post’, which revealed Major Stockin was under investigation, the case involves at least 23 alleged victims, making it the largest military sexual assault case since. several years.
8942 cases in 2022
“I simply ask that everyone refrain from judgment until (Michael Stockin) can exercise his right to be heard, the defense has received all the evidence and the procedure takes its course,” said before the announcement of the indictment the lawyer of Michael Stockin, Robert Capovilla, quoted by the “Washington Post”.
At least 8,942 sexual assault cases were reported in the US military in fiscal year 2022. The figure is up slightly from the previous year, which was already at an all-time high. US President Joe Biden signed an executive order last month that changes the way the military investigates sexual assault cases.
It gives more powers to special, independent prosecutors, who are now the only ones to decide on possible prosecutions for serious crimes to the detriment of commanders. This is the most significant reform of military justice since 1950, ensuring that cases are “completely independent” of the military hierarchy, according to the White House.
AFP
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2023-08-31 20:19:55
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