first judgment on an iraq war resister in canada

Jeremy Hinzman is one of the many former U.S. army volunteers who have tried to gain refugee status in Canada after deserting because of the illegality of the Iraq war. In a disappointing but not entirely surprising decision, a Toronto immigration panel has decided against Hinzman.

"Hinzman faces a court martial if he goes back and could be sentenced to five years in jail as a deserter.

'Removal to the U.S. would not subject them personally to a risk to their lives or to a risk of cruel and unusual treatment or punishment,' the board said in a statement." (CBC online)

The case could have an impact on the other resisters' chances. Link to CBC article; link to BBC article.