5 U.S. contractors facing Iraqi legal process

From Jomana Karadsheh
CNN
BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) - Five U.S. contractors detained inside Baghdad's Green Zone - in connection with the killing of another contractor, sources say - now face the Iraqi judicial system, which critics say is rife with problems.

The five were taken into custody early Wednesday in connection with the killing of James Kitterman, according to an Iraqi official involved in the investigation and another source with knowledge of the case. The men appeared in court for hearings Monday, sources told CNN. James Feeney, son of one detainee, said they also appeared in court Sunday.

As of Sunday, none of the five had been charged. However, under the Iraqi system of justice, they would not be charged until after an investigative judge examines the evidence and decides whether to refer the case to court for trial.