Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, who faces charges for desertion and misbehavior before the enemy, will face a hearing Thursday on whether he should face trial.
The Pentagon confirmed Wednesday that Bergdahl will face an Article 32 hearing at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, during which his attorneys and military prosecutors will make arguments for and against his potential trial.
Bergdahl disappeared in June 2009 while serving in Afghanistan after expressing opposition to the war. He was ultimately captured by the Taliban and was held prisoner for five years until the Obama administration made the controversial decision to trade five terrorists held at Guantanamo Bay in exchange for his freedom in 2014.
In March, Bergdahl was charged with desertion and misbehavior before the enemy.
Bergdahl’s lawyer said that the hearing Thursday, which is open to the press, will offer more insight into his disappearance from his post in Afghanistan.
If convicted of misbehavior before the enemy, Bergdahl could face life in military prison. Members of his former unit have demanded harsh punishment for the deserter, claiming that six service members died trying to find him.
