Army’s Handling of Bergdahl Case Highlights Upcoming Hearing

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Attorneys for Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl will try to convince a judge this week that the U.S. military has mishandled its prosecution of the soldier on charges that he deserted his post in Afghanistan.

Among the issues being considered during pretrial hearings is whether Gen. Robert B. Abrams faced improper conflicts when he referred Bergdahl for a general court-martial rather than a lower-level prosecution.

Defense attorneys argue that Abrams, the commanding general of U.S. Army Forces Command, should be disqualified from the case because of a prior advisory role during efforts to return Bergdahl from captivity.

In a separate motion, the defense contends Abrams was influenced by negative comments by U.S. Sen. John McCain. Legal experts say the motions are longshots, but are likely to stoke courtroom drama. Bergdahl is from Hailey, Idaho.