By MICHAEL BIESECKER
(RALEIGH, N.C., AP) — Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl says he was tortured in the five years he was held captive by the Taliban, beaten with a copper cable as he spent months blindfolded and chained spread-eagle to a bed.
The 28-year-old soldier described his harsh treatment in Afghanistan in a letter released Thursday by his defense lawyer.
The Army charged Bergdahl with desertion and misbehavior before the enemy for leaving his post in June 2009. He was freed last year in exchange for five Taliban commanders held prisoner at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Now he faces up to life in prison if convicted of the criminal charges.
In the letter, Bergdahl says he suffered from hunger, thirst and serious infections from sores that developed where his hands and feet were bound to the bed.
The 28-year-old soldier described his harsh treatment in Afghanistan in a letter released Thursday by his defense lawyer.
The Army charged Bergdahl with desertion and misbehavior before the enemy for leaving his post in June 2009. He was freed last year in exchange for five Taliban commanders held prisoner at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Now he faces up to life in prison if convicted of the criminal charges.
In the letter, Bergdahl says he suffered from hunger, thirst and serious infections from sores that developed where his hands and feet were bound to the bed.
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