U.S. deserter seeks refuge in Canada
A U.S. soldier who refused to fight in Iraq and wants to live in Canada appeared Wednesday before the Immigration and Refugee Board in Toronto.
Believing that the war in Iraq is a "criminal enterprise," 25-year-old Jeremy Hinzman fled to Toronto from his North Carolina base in January, just before his unit was sent to Iraq. Once in Canada he made a refugee claim on the grounds that he would face persecution for his political beliefs if he is sent home to face military justice.
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Brandon Hughey, a U.S. private who deserted and fled to St. Catharines, Ont., and who is expected to have a similar refugee hearing in the fall, also attended the proceedings. He is also being represented by Mr. House.
Most observers say both men face as many as five years in prison for deserting their units. While the death penalty is technically still on the books for deserters, Mr. House said U.S. military lawyers have told him that this would only apply for those who deserted before President George W. Bush's declaration that major hostilities in Iraq had ended in May. No U.S. deserter has been executed since 1945.