Life in jail proposed for
UK soldiers who refuse to ‘occupy foreign states’
Legalbrief
Today, 24 May 2006
A Bill has been introduced in the UK that will impose life sentences
on soldiers who object to taking part in a military occupation of a
foreign country.
The Scotsman
reports the Armed Forces Bill changes the definition of desertion to
include soldiers who go absent without leave and intend to refuse to
take part in a ‘military occupation of a foreign country or
territory’. The move comes as tensions escalate with Iran and follows
a reported rise in soldiers absconding from the British Army since the
invasion of Iraq. Anti-war campaigners claim the change means it would
expressly legitimise occupation and force soldiers to contravene the
Nuremberg Principles, limiting their right to becoming conscientious
objectors.
Full report in The
Scotsman
http://www.legalbrief.co.za/article.php?story=20060524083428906
Legal Brief is a website based in South Africa for legal
professionals.
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