300 Koran burner US soldiers get mere administrative punishment

A US military investigation into the burning of Korans in Afghanistan has blamed miscommunication, poor guidance and soldiers' decisions to take "the easy way instead of the right way".

The burning of more than 300 Korans and other religious books at a US base in Afghanistan early this year triggered riots and retribution killings.

The US Army announced on Monday that six soldiers had received "administrative" punishments. They will not face criminal charges.

Administrative punishments could include demotions, extra duty, forfeiture of pay or a letter in their file.

Investigators found that service members "mishandled" Korans and other religious material and put them in an incinerator. It was concluded that there was no "malicious intent".

Read more: The Australian

Posted in: Administrative Punishments, Burning, Investigation, Koran Burning, Soldiers, USA, War on Terror