Trump pardons Blackwater contractors over 2007 Iraq killings

US President Donald Trump has pardoned four former Blackwater security guards convicted over their involvement in the killing of 14 Iraqi civilians in 2007. Nicholas Slatten, Paul Slough, Evan Liberty and Dustin Heard opened fire in Baghdad's Nisoor Square while escorting an American diplomatic convoy. The White House said the pardons were supported by the public and lawmakers.

Mohammed Kinani, whose nine-year-old son Ali was the youngest victim, describes his incredulity at the news of the pardons and how memories of the event are still fresh in his mind.

"Today he broke my life again," he said. "I lost my son and I feel I'm nothing."

(An Iraqi looks at a burnt car on the site where Blackwater guards opened fire on civilians in Baghdad on 16 September 2007. Credit: Getty)