Army Charges Soldier Who Refused To Deploy
POSTED: 8:35 am HST July 5, 2006
UPDATED: 9:28 am HST July 6, 2006
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FORT LEWIS, Wash. -- A Fort Lewis spokeswoman said that the Army plans to file charges on Wednesday against an officer who refused to deploy to Iraq last month.The Army charged 1st Lt. Ehren Watada, 28, with missing movement, contempt toward officials, and conduct unbecoming an officer.Watada has previously said he could face at least two years in prison for failing to obey an order to deploy.The member of the Army's first Stryker Brigade Combat Team refused to go to Iraq after researching the war and determining it to be illegal. He asked to resign his commission, but the Army refused.Watada's stance prompted rallies of support near Fort Lewis, in Seattle and in Honolulu, his hometown.After the charges are filed, Watada will face a preliminary hearing known under military law as an Article 32 hearing.
Previous Stories:
- June 28, 2006: Groups Rally In Support Of Soldier Refusing Deployment
- June 26, 2006: Hawaii Soldier Who Refused Deployment Is Reassigned
- June 23, 2006: Hawaii Soldier Refuses To Leave With Unit For Iraq
- June 8, 2006: Soldier Receives Death Threats Over Refusal To Go To Iraq
- June 8, 2006: Soldier Ready To Face Jail For Refusing Deployment
- June 7, 2006: Hawaii Soldier Refuses To Deploy To Iraq
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