I think the sadistic nature of this act is apparent.
Any reasonable person would come to that conclusion.
I see no reasonable grounds for defending the act of that soldier. None whatsoever.
As for the lynch mob mentality of stringing up this deranged SOB...that's not good either.
I see nothing wrong with bringing this act to the attention of his superior officer, politicians and the general public.
Any way that you look at it, in and of itself, the soldier committed one sick act.