Military judge denies request to release SEAL from brig

SAN DIEGO (AP) — A military judge in San Diego has denied a request to release a Navy SEAL awaiting trial on premeditated murder charge and other offense in relation to the death of an Islamic State prisoner and the shooting of unarmed Iraqi civilians.

The Navy did not release details on the written ruling issued Thursday by the judge, Navy Capt. Aaron Rugh.

Lawyers for Special Operations Chief Edward Gallagher had argued he looks forward to his trial to clear his name and is not a flight risk. They could not be immediately reached for comment.

Gallagher has been in the brig since his September arrest. He is scheduled to stand trial Feb. 19. He has denied all the charges.

He is accused of fatally stabbing the prisoner in his care and other misconduct.