Military lawyer is investigated after posting Facebook comment criticizing sex-assault policy
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An Air Force lawyer who posted a Facebook comment criticizing the military’s handling of sexual assaults says her superiors responded by launching an investigation into the propriety of her remarks.
Capt. Maribel Jarzabek posted her comment on the Facebook page of a U.S. senator who wanted to strengthen protections for sexual assault victims in the military, the Washington Post reports.
“As a current Air Force Special Victims Counsel, I completely support this bill,” Jarzabek wrote in the comment after identifying herself. Though she is a victim’s rights attorney, Jarzabek wrote, she was criticized for being “too victim-centered,” and one of her clients was deemed too emotional. “Changes are needed, and it’s time that the public knew about the military’s true dirty little secrets!” she wrote.
Jarzabek said she was investigated for advocating a “partisan political cause” and expressing opinions online that could undermine confidence in the Air Force. She was found guilty of the allegations and given verbal counseling, she told the Washington Post.
Jarzabek told the Post she believed the investigation was retaliation for her advocacy on behalf of sexual assault victims. Her last day in the Air Force was on Wednesday.
An Air Force spokesman, Lt. Col. Christopher Karns, told the Post he couldn’t discuss Jarzabek’s case but the Air Force “is strongly committed to combating sexual assault” and has “actively listened to feedback and suggestions concerning military justice improvements.”
