Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl's sentencing for charges of desertion and misbehavior before the enemy has been delayed until Wednesday. It was originally scheduled for today, Monday.
Bowe Bergdahl's sentencing hearing for desertion charges is delayed https://t.co/ms1q0T69iR pic.twitter.com/gHfwgLJQYd
— The Hill (@thehill) October 23, 2017
Bergdahl pleaded guilty last Monday. He decided against a jury trial, deciding to face a judge.
On June 30, 2009, he left his post in Afghanistan and was captured by the Taliban a short time later. He was held by the group until May of 2014, when he was released as part of a prisoner swap.
His lawyers argued that statements by President Donald Trump cast an "impermissible shadow" over the case. Trump said that he believed Bergdahl was guilty.
From The Hill:
On Tuesday, lawyers for Bergdahl filed a motion in a last-ditch effort to have the case against him tossed, even after he pleaded guilty.
In the motion last week, Bergdahl’s attorneys argued that the brief comment from President Trump the day before shows the president still believes the disparaging comments he made on the campaign trail. The attorneys argue the comments cast an "impermissible shadow" over upcoming sentencing proceedings.
“His statement, made at a televised press conference that was one of the most salient public events of the day, removes any doubt about whether his campaign comments reflect his current opinion,” they wrote in the motion.
Bergdahl faces up to life in prison for his crimes.