On Nov. 11, the U.S. Army announced that Lt. Ehren Watada will be court-martialed for missing troop movement as well as for multiple counts of “Conduct Unbecoming an Officer and a Gentleman.” These charges result from his public opposition to the imperialist war in Iraq.
Political charges of “contempt towards the president” were dropped. However, Watada still faces a possible four years
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in prison for political speech critical of Iraq war. The trial date for the court-martial has not yet been set, but is expected to be in early 2007.
Ehren Watada responded to the charges: “I hope that actions such as mine will continue to help expose the truth behind the fundamental illegality and immorality of the war.”
Watada told reporters at a press conference, “Almost every day, someone from the military or the outside sends me some kind of correspondence or approaches me in person to render support or their respect.”
Organizers in support of Ehren Watada are calling for Dec. 8-10 days of action with the following demands: Support for all war objectors, protect the right to conscientious objection, protect the liberties and human rights of GIs, and sanctuary for war objectors.
In Seattle, these actions will lead in to larger mobilizations and events to coincide with Lt. Watada’s trial early next year. For more information, visit http://www.thankyoult.org/.
