They are facing multiple counts of manslaughter , other charges . The five defendants , seated in a row at a courtroom table , remained silent in court , and as they entered and departed the courthouse . These stem from shooting in Baghdad square that left 17 Iraqis dead . Attorneys say they were defending themselves on a battlefield . Case is the first prosecution of non - Defense Department contractors .
They are facing multiple counts of manslaughter , other charges . These stem from shooting in Baghdad square that left 17 Iraqis dead . Attorneys say they were defending themselves on a battlefield . Case is the first prosecution of non - Defense Department contractors .