Court-martial of officer who refused to go to Iraq begins




Feb 5, 2007, 21:30 GMT


Washington - A court-martial against a US Army officer who refused to go to Iraq began Monday at Fort Lewis, Washington, a military spokesman said.

First Lieutenant Ehren Watada faces charges of failing to deploy, contempt toward officials and conduct unbecoming an officer. He is the first officer in the US military to be tried for refusing service in Iraq.

Watada has vociferously opposed the war, calling it illegal and immoral. He had publicly announced his intention not to travel with his unit before its deployment last summer.

The court-martial began with jury selection on Monday and the entire process is expected to be completed by the end of the week, the spokesman said.

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