Discussions

Family members of a P.E.I. soldier charged in the death of soldier in Afghanistan are lobbying to have those charges dropped.  
 
Master Cpl. Jeffrey Walsh of Regina was fatally shot during a patrol outside Kandahar last August. Master Cpl. Robbie Fraser, who grew up in Cornwall, P.E.I., faces a manslaughter charge and a count of negligent performance of duty in connection with the incident.  
 
"I think those charges are over the top for the military. Too extreme, I guess is what I'm trying to say," the accused's father, Kevin Fraser, told CBC News Friday from his home on the North Shore of P.E.I.  
 
"I think that they're trying to make an example of Robbie. Unfortunately, I don't see how you can make an example out of something that was an accident. Accidents happen. No matter how much you make an example of it an accident's going to happen."  
 
The Canadian Forces National Investigation Service charged Fraser on Monday under the National Defence Act.  
 
Both Fraser and Walsh were based at CFB Shilo in Manitoba. Defence officials have said there are still several other steps to be followed before determining if Fraser should stand trial in Walsh's death.  
 
Kevin Fraser said he will be talking with Malpeque MP Wayne Easter about the situation Friday.