FORT BRAGG, N.C. (AP) – A judge will hear more arguments Tuesday about whether injuries to soldiers on a search mission should be allowed as evidence that U.S. Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl endangered comrades by walking off his post in Afghanistan.
On Monday, the judge, Army. Col. Jeffery Nance, also agreed to delay Bergdahl’s trial by several months until May 15, 2017. Prosecutors asked for the delay because of the slow pace at which they’re getting approval to turn over classified evidence.
Prosecutors are arguing that two wounded soldiers’ injuries should be allowed as evidence to show that Bergdahl’s disappearance effectively put other military members in harm’s way.
Bergdahl is charged with desertion and misbehavior before the enemy, the latter of which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison.
U.S. Air Force Maj. John Marx testified about a firefight that occurred after he and several others joined about 50 members of the Afghan National Army on a search for Bergdahl. They were attacked by enemy fighters after setting up a checkpoint near a town in Afghanistan on July 8, 2009.