US military postpones murder accused trial over beard

on 18/08/2012 11:52:23

A military appeals court has postponed indefinitely the court-martial for a US army Major because of a dispute over his beard.

Nidal Hasan is accused of shooting dead 13 of his colleagues at Fort Hood, Texas, in November 2009 as well attempting to murder 32 others.

If convicted, he faces the death penalty.

As an expression of his religious beliefs, the practicing Muslim has grown a beard in preparation for his death which he believes is "imminent".

However, the unshaven facial hair is in violation of army grooming regulations.

The Court of Appeal for the Armed Forces halted proceedings related to Hasan's case until further notice.