U.S. Soldier Denied Refugee Status in Canada

[Hawk]

An American serviceman who has refused to serve in the war in Iraq was denied a bid for asylum in Canada Thursday. The Canadian refugee board ruled that 26-year-old Jeremy Hinzman would not face unfair persecution if he returned to the U.S. because he refused to fight in what he is calling an illegal war.

Hinzman is from Rapid City, South Dakota and has already served a tour of duty in Afghanistan. He left Fort Bragg, North Carolina in January after his unit was given orders to deploy to Iraq. Hinzman is part of the 82nd Airborne Division.

Hinzman's attorney, Jeffry House, said his client was not giving up despite the decision. 'Obviously we are disappointed,' House said. 'We certainly are not giving up. We believe the decision is wrong, and we will appeal it.'

House noted that Hinzman was not permitted to raise what he felt was the 'illegality' of the war in Iraq and its effect on Iraqi civilians. The board noted that the United States was a democracy and that Hinzman's punishment if he returned to the U.S., what he would face would be 'not excessive or disproportionately severe.'

It is estimated that there are approximately 100 American armed service personnel in Canada who have refused to serve in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Hinzman's case was the first to be heard by the refugee board.

Brad Kurtzberg

http://www.elitestv.com/pub/2005/Mar...35a94f13a.html