News & Politics Podcasts
How did four highly decorated American soldiers become prisoners of war in their own country? This series re-examines the US Department of Justice’s controversial prosecution following a gun battle in Baghdad between Iraqi insurgents and military contractors.
Homecoming
In our final episode, Gina visits with Dustin Heard, Evan Liberty, Nick Slatten and Paul Slough three months after President Donald J. Trump issued unconditional pardons to free them from prison. They talk about hearing the news that they were coming home to their families for Christmas, and about their hopes and dreams.
Closing Argument
The men of Raven 23 resist mounting prosecutorial pressure to plead guilty, and must finally face trial -- a legal odyssey that dragged for seven more years and encompassed three trials. In this episode, Gina chronicles the repeated violations of the men’s civil rights at the hands of prosecutors who are aided by a complicit judge.
The Expendables
Gina examines the role played by the national press in the prosecution of Raven 23. Although he is mere months from taking senior status, Judge Royce Lamberth inexplicably seizes the Raven 23 case, minutes after it is randomly assigned to another judge. This move is consistent with Lamberth’s checkered legal and judicial career.
Joe Biden's Baghdad Betrayal
Just two days after Judge Ricardo Urbina threw out the government’s case against Raven 23, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and her legal advisors were scheming on ways to revive it.
Breaking the Code
Gina and Mike examine the US government’s machinations to overcome the shortcomings of the investigation. Witness accounts begin shifting as US prosecutors pressure witnesses to bring the case to trial in response to mounting political pressure in Iraq.
Congressional Justice For Warriors Caucus Offically Requests Presidental Pardon for Men of Raven 23
Today, on May 12, the Congressional Justice for Warriors Caucus sent a letter to President Trump formally requesting a Presidential Pardon for the men of Raven 23.
A Podcast Review: Raven 23: Preparing for a Pardon
There has been an attempt, of sorts, in recent years to rehabilitate the reputation of four men: Evan Liberty, Dustin Heard, Nicolas Slatten, and Paul Slough. Even if you don’t know their names, you may recall the company they worked for – Blackwater Worldwide – and their connection to the 2007 deaths of fourteen Iraqis at Nisour Square in Baghdad.
Tom Weiss
Associate Editor Tom Weiss is Liberty Island’s editor of adventure, focusing on horror, action, thrillers, mystery, and military. Tom is a retired Lieutenant Colonel with tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. His writing has appeared in professional military journals, PJ Media, and Liberty Island.
