American Views Abroad

 
Sueddeutsche Zeitung reported on the Aguayo court-martial on the bottom of page one this morning. He was convicted of deserting and received a sentence of 8 months and a dishonorable discharge. Hamburg radio news reported on the possibly of him receiving seven years yesterday. Stars and Stripes article on the trail can be read at www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=44100.

The trial and conviction of Libby, Cheney's right hand man, was the one grabbing attention in the IHT today. The cover-up of lies plus the appalling conditions at Walter Reed and other veterans' hospitals leaves one numb. Sueddeutsche Zeitung first page also reported on the 110 pilgrims killed in a suicide bombing and at least 200 wounded near Hilla in Iraq. On and on it goes with no end in sight.

Amnesty International which sent an observer to Aguayo's court-martial has now declared Aguayo to be a 'prisoner of conscience' and calls for his immediate and unconditional release in a press release. 'Refusing military service for reasons of conscience isn't a luxury -- it's a right protected under international human rights law, ' said Larry Cox, executive director of Amnesty International, USA. 'Agustin Aguayo wasn't just complaining about his assignment --- he clearly made the case that he objects to war itself. He should be released.'
- posted by Gloria @ 10:51 AM