OBJECT OF DEFECTION
As the current UK/US war on Iraq has no United Nations backing, it is an illegal invasion. Any British soldier fighting in Iraq may find themselves hauled up in front of the War Crimes Tribunal in the Hague and SchNEWS would advise all of them to down their guns and come home.
And that's exactly what two have done! The two soldiers have been sent back from the Gulf after refusing to take part in a war where innocent civilians are being killed. Under British law, you are legally entitled to an honourable discharge as a conscientious objector, but the procedure can be difficult and prolonged. Lawyers for the two servicemen believe that rather than looking at a long summer's break, the two could be looking at two years inside for showing concern about who's at the receiving end of their bullets.
If you know anyone in the Armed Forces who's struggling with their conscience, there's an organisation called At Ease who will provide free, totally confidential advice. At Ease, c/o 28 Commercial St, London E1 6LS. 020 7247 5164, [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.ppu.org.uk/special/co_stuff_03.html
* See Bush's excuses for not serving in the Vietnam war: http://awolbush.com/

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