UK Launches Review of US Base Crime Jurisdiction After Guardian Exposes 8-Member Military Panels
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Aug 9
UK Launches Review of US Base Crime Jurisdiction After Guardian Exposes 8-Member Military Panels
1 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Aug 9
Summary
UK ministers and police chiefs have opened a review into why British forces ceded jurisdiction to US military investigators in cases involving serious alleged crimes on UK soil.
The move followed the Guardian’s “Base justice” investigation, which found US servicemen accused of rape and sexual assault were often tried in closed courts martial on US bases, sometimes on lesser charges than in UK courts.
At RAF Lakenheath, an all-male panel of eight US Air Force officers convicted Capt Jacob Wulfson of strangulation but cleared him of sexual assault-related charges after testimony that victim Sarah Steele later called distressing and degrading.
Steele has since met ministers, who praised her bravery and said they would draw lessons from her case to ensure victims receive greater seriousness, dignity and support.
The case has widened scrutiny of a quasi-separate legal system on US bases in Britain, where opaque proceedings and military juries can leave accusers without protections they would expect in British courts.