Soldier defends decision to reveal murders of Iraqi detainees

Soldier defends decision to reveal murders of Iraqi detainees
By Abbie Boudreau and Scott Zamost, CNN Special Investigations Unit
November 19, 2009 5:57 p.m. EST

STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Sergeant who revealed murders of four Iraqis says he has no regrets about breaking silence
Three sergeants were convicted of murder and conspiracy to commit murder CNN investigation revealed that one of the trio was frustrated with rules for taking in detainees Full investigation on "AC360°" tonight, 10 ET; read blog posts: Abbie Boudreau; Scott Zamost A CNN investigation reveals why the Army's rules for holding detainees may have led to the murders of four Iraqis by three decorated Army sergeants. Watch tonight through Friday on "AC360°" at 10 p.m. ET.

Bakersfield, California (CNN) -- A former Army sergeant who revealed the murders of four Iraqis at a canal in 2007 says he has no regrets about breaking his silence.

"I did the right thing," Jess Cunningham told CNN's "AC360°." "I'm not going to hide behind false brotherhood."

Nine months after the March 2007 murders, Cunningham told his Army lawyer what had happened at the canal. Eventually, three sergeants would be convicted of premeditated murder and conspiracy to commit premeditated murder.

"These men are not heroes. They're not saviors," Cunningham said.

First Sgt. John Hatley, Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Mayo and Sgt. Michael Leahy are all serving terms at the U.S. military prison at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
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