Soldiers flee to Canada to avoid Iraq duty
By
Duncan Campbell
03/28/06 "The
Guardian" -- -- Hundreds of deserters from the US
armed forces have crossed into Canada and are now seeking
political refugee status there, arguing that violations of the
rules of war in Iraq by the US entitle them to asylum.
A decision on a test case involving two US servicemen is due
shortly and is being watched with interest by fellow servicemen
on both sides of the border. At least 20 others have already
applied for asylum and there are an estimated 400 in Canada out
of more than 9,000 who have deserted since the conflict started
in 2003.
Ryan Johnson, 22, from near Fresno in California, was due to be
deployed with his unit to Iraq in January last year but crossed
the Canadian border in June and is seeking asylum. "I had spoken
to many soldiers who had been in Iraq and who told me about
innocent civilians being killed and about bombing civilian
neighbourhoods," he told the Guardian.
"It's been really great since I've been here. Generally, people
have been really hospitable and understanding, although there
have been a few who have been for the war." He is now unable to
return to the US. "I don't have a problem with that. I'm in
Canada and that's that."
Mr Johnson said it was unclear exactly how many US soldiers were
in Canada but he thought 400 was a "realistic figure". He had
been on speaking tours across the country as part of a war
resisters' movement and had come across other servicemen living
underground.
Jeffry House, a Toronto lawyer who represents many of the men,
said that an increasing number were seeking asylum. "There are a
fair number without status and a fair number on student visas,"
he said, and under UN guidelines on refugee status they were
entitled to seek asylum.
The first test cases involve Jeremy Hinzman, 26, who deserted
from the 82 Airborne Division and Brandon Hughey from the 1st
Cavalry Division. A decision on their applications is due within
the next few weeks. If they are turned down the case will be
taken to the federal appeal court and the Canadian supreme
court, according to Mr House, a process that would last into
next year at least.
All deserters, past and present, are placed on an FBI wanted
list. Earlier this month, Allen Abney, 56, who deserted from the
US marines 38 years ago during the Vietnam war, was arrested as
he crossed into the US, a journey he had taken many times before
without problem. He was held in a military jail in California
for a few days, then discharged.
"They have resuscitated long-dormant warrants," said Mr House.
"I know 15 people personally who have crossed 10 or more times
without problems and then all of a sudden they are arresting
people. It seems like it would be connected to Iraq."
Lee Zaslofsky, 61, the coordinator of the War Resisters' Support
Campaign in Toronto, said that he was impressed by the young men
who were seeking asylum. "Some have been to Iraq and others have
heard what goes on there," he said. "Mainly, what they discuss
is being asked to do things they consider repugnant. Most are
quite patriotic ... Many say they feel tricked by the military."
During the Vietnam war between 50,000 and 60,000 Americans
crossed the border to avoid serving.
© Guardian Newspapers Limited 2006
