Published: November 18, 2008 09:55 am      

New – Murtha defamation case will be aired

WASHINGTON — Federal judges will hear arguments about whether Pennsylvania Rep. John Murtha should have to give a sworn deposition about his comments alleging “cold-blooded murder and war crimes” by unnamed Marines in connection with Iraqi civilian deaths in Haditha.

The case is going before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia on Tuesday morning.

The lawsuit was filed by Staff Sgt. Frank Wuterich, who is only person still facing charges in the Haditha case.

The Justice Department wanted the case dismissed because Murtha was acting in his official role when he made the comments on Capitol Hill in 2005.

A federal judge has ordered Murtha to give a deposition in the case. He’s appealed the judge’s ruling.

A second Marine has also filed suit against Murtha.