US forces have announced their firstcourt-martial in Baghdad after ordering a military policeman tostand trial this month for connection with abuse of Iraqi prisonersat Abu Ghraib prison, a senior military spokesman said Sunday.

24-year-old spc. Jeremy C. Sivits of Hyndman, Pennsylvania, amember of the 372nd Military Police Company, will stand trial inBaghdad on May 19, Brig. Gen. Mark Kimmitt told a press conference.

Sivits has been charged with maltreat detainees, dereliction ofduty for failing to protect detainees from abuse, cruelty andmaltreatment of detainees, said Kimmitt, the US-led coalition'sdeputy director for operations.

Seven US soldiers including Sivits are facing criminal chargesfor alleged abuse of Iraqi prisoners. Sivits is the first for whoma trial date has been set.

Source: Xinhua