War resister Robin Long has been sentenced to 15 months in a federal penitentiary, and given a dishonourable discharge.
Robin was deported to the US because, according to a federal judge, he failed to prove that he would face "irreparable harm". I consider 15 months in prison plus a life-long felony conviction irreparable harm, especially since Robin's only "crime" to refusing to kill.
Robin's punishment lies at Stephen Harper's feet.
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Soldier Sentenced After Seeking Refuge in Canada
Updated: Aug 22, 2008 3:33 PM EDT
FORT CARSON - A soldier who fled to Canada after learning he would soon deploy to Iraq has pleaded guilty and been sentenced.
Friday afternoon, a judge ruled 24-year-old Robin Long would have his rank reduced to E-1, served 15 months in confinement (minus 40 days he's already served) and receive a dishonorable discharge from the Army.
Long's lawyer says he reached an agreement with prosecutors to plead guilty to desertion with intent to remain away permanently, a lesser charge than desertion with intent to shirk hazardous duty.
The private fled to Canada in 2005 after his unit was deployed. Canadian authorities denied his request for refuge and deported him in July.
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Soldier to plead guilty to lower desertion charge
FORT CARSON, Colo. (AP) — A soldier who fled to Canada when his unit was deployed to Iraq plans to plead guilty Friday to a reduced charge of desertion, his lawyer said.
Pvt. Robin Long, 25, of Boise, Idaho, faces up to three years in prison and a dishonorable discharge, civilian defense attorney James Branam said Thursday.
Long went to Canada in 2005, but authorities there denied his request for refuge and deported him in July of this year.
Branam said Long has reached an agreement with prosecutors to plead guilty to desertion with intent to remain away permanently, a lesser charge than desertion with intent to shirk hazardous duty.
Army prosecutors declined to comment.
Branam said Long's sentence will be determined on Friday.
"Yes, he did break the law, he committed a wrong, but he shouldn't be punished harshly because he had a lot of good reasons to do what he did," Branam said.
"He believes very sincerely he couldn't participate in this war in good conscience," Branam said.
Long also feared his fellow soldiers would be at risk in combat if Long "couldn't pull the trigger" because of moral qualms, Branam said.
Another U.S. soldier who sought refugee status in Canada was ordered out of that country this month.
Jeremy Hinzman deserted from Fort Bragg, N.C., in 2004 after learning his unit was to be deployed to Iraq. Hinzman has said the war is immoral and illegal.
He said last week he was ordered to leave Canada by Sept. 23.
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And in Robin's case, 15 months, to some extent, means life. That's what a dishonourable discharge does.
And no, it's not you.
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