US Army Specialist Charles Graner Jr. was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Saturday in the first trial relating to the abuse of Iraqi prisoners at the Abu Ghraib prison outside Baghdad.  

Graner, 36, considered a leading figure in abusing Iraqi prisoners in late 2003, was also demoted to private and ordered to forfeit all pay and benefits. He would be dishonorably discharged when he is released.

Graner was found guilty Friday of five charges, including conspiracy, dereliction of duty, maltreatment, aggravated assault and indecent acts, by a jury consisting of 10 soldiers and officers at Fort Hood, Texas.

He was the first of several soldiers to be tried on charges arising from the abuse scandal at Abu Ghraib, which sparked international outrage when photographs were released in late April last year.

The jury deliberated about two hours to determine Graner's sentence. 

(Xinhua News Agency January 16, 2005)