Blackwater prosecutors meet with Iraqis

BAGHDAD, Dec. 14 (UPI) -- U.S. prosecutors say they have met with Iraqis to discuss indictments against five Blackwater security guards accused of slaying 17 Baghdad civilians.

The meeting Saturday at Iraq National Police Headquarters near Nisoor Square where the Sept. 16, 2007, shootings happened, were convened to explain the charges against the guards, officials told CNN.

The men, charged with manslaughter and other offenses, were freed on their own recognizance last week after surrendering to federal authorities in Salt Lake City.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth Kohl told CNN the Baghdad meeting included interviews with survivors from the incident, in which Iraqi officials say the Blackwater Worldwide security men fired indiscriminately at civilians. The men say they were returning fire from snipers while protecting a U.S. diplomatic convoy.

"We had individuals here on crutches and others who were wounded," Kohl said. "We just gave them information about charges in the United States and … what we anticipate would happen in court in Washington."