Sorry, deserters

Once again, we learn that Iraq ain't Vietnam:

The Immigration and Refugee Board has denied refugee status to Jeremy Hinzman, the U.S. soldier who fled to Canada to avoid the war in Iraq.

Hinzman, 26, fled military service because he calls the Iraq war illegal. He had been seeking political refugee status in Canada, arguing that he would be jailed if he returned to the U.S. and his life would be in danger.

Hinzman said he believed he would be treated more harshly in prison because of his views on the Iraq war.

But the refugee board said Thursday that Hinzman had not made a convincing argument that he faces persecution or cruel and unusual punishment in the United States.

His lawyer, Jeffry House, said he would ask the Federal Court to review the decision.
[...]
Deserters from countries with compulsory military service have been granted refugee status in Canada. But since Hinzman volunteered for military service, this case was considered different.

If he had been granted refugee status, some critics said would have opened the door for even more U.S. deserters to arrive in Canada.

Now, where are we going to find new hosts for CBC Radio?

Posted by damian at March 24, 2005 03:45 PM