Canada denies asylum for US deserter

March 25, 2005|Associated Press

TORONTO -- A US Army paratrooper was denied political asylum yesterday -- a blow to Americans who are seeking refuge in Canada to avoid serving in an Iraq conflict that they contend would force them to commit atrocities against civilians.

An immigration board ruled that Jeremy Hinzman had not convinced its members that he would face persecution or cruel and unusual punishment if he is returned to the United States.

Seven other US military personnel have applied for refugee status, and Hinzman's lawyer estimated that dozens of others are in hiding in Canada waiting to see how the government ruled. The attorney, Jeffrey House, said Hinzman would appeal the ruling.

''We don't believe that people should be imprisoned for doing what they believe is illegal," House told CBC TV.

An Immigration and Refugee Board member, Brian Goodman, who wrote the ruling, said Hinzman might face some employment and social discrimination, but ''the treatment does not amount to a violation of a fundamental human right, and the harm is not serious."

Canada opposed the US-led invasion of Iraq, and the decision could help ease strained relations between the two governments.

Hinzman could face charges of desertion if sent home and would face up to five years in prison. He and seven other US military deserters are being represented by House, a Wisconsin native who came to Canada in 1970 to avoid the draft during the Vietnam War.

The Pentagon has urged the deserters to return to the United States and take up their concerns at their respective military bases.