http://www.elitestv.com/pub/2005/Mar...35a94f13a.html

An American serviceman who has refused to serve in the war in Iraq was
denied a bid for asylum in Canada Thursday. The Canadian refugee board
ruled that 26-year-old Jeremy Hinzman would not face unfair persecution
if he returned to the U.S. because he refused to fight in what he is
calling an illegal war.

Hinzman is from Rapid City, South Dakota and has already served a tour
of duty in Afghanistan. He left Fort Bragg, North Carolina in January
after his unit was given orders to deploy to Iraq. Hinzman is part of
the 82nd Airborne Division.

Hinzman's attorney, Jeffry House, said his client was not giving up
despite the decision. 'Obviously we are disappointed,' House said. 'We
certainly are not giving up. We believe the decision is wrong, and we
will appeal it.'

House noted that Hinzman was not permitted to raise what he felt was
the 'illegality' of the war in Iraq and its effect on Iraqi civilians.
The board noted that the United States was a democracy and that
Hinzman's punishment if he returned to the U.S., what he would face
would be 'not excessive or disproportionately severe.'

It is estimated that there are approximately 100 American armed service
personnel in Canada who have refused to serve in the wars in Iraq and
Afghanistan. Hinzman's case was the first to be heard by the refugee
board.

Brad Kurtzberg