An Update on Ciara
Many of our supporters have asked for an update on the case of Specialist Ciara Durkin (pictured), a lesbian National Guard soldier who died in Afghanistan on September 27.
As the Associated Press reported last night, Army officials have now met with the Durkin family (following calls from SLDN for a thorough investigation) and the military seems to be taking some steps forward in investigating Ciara's death. We know, however, that some military personnel with information relevant to the case may be hesitant to come forward, out of fear that they, too, may be the target of an investigation, because of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."
As I told the AP, and wrote about on Bilerico yesterday as well, anyone who does have information to share can do so - safely and confidentially - by contacting the legal team here at SLDN. Your conversations with us are protected by attorney-client confidentiality, and we will never reveal the sources of information we obtain.
It is of paramount importance that those who may know the events that led to Ciara's death come forward as soon as possible. As we saw in the 1999 murder of PFC Barry Winchell, it is often information obtained by groups like SLDN - and not by military investigators - that helps to bring the true facts to light.
Anyone with information at Ciara's death can contact our legal team at (202) 328-FAIR, or by email at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Ciara's family has also set up a website with more information about her life, service and death. And, we invite SLDN supporters to join the conversation about this case at Pam's House Blend, too.
- Steve RallsLabels: ciara durkin, in the news, legal aid
-----10-05-07
Comments
Comments for this entry are closed.