Afghan War Unlawful, Says 'deserter'

Lance Corporal Joe Glenton went absent without leave from the Royal Logistics Corps for two years and six days. AFP / GETTY

From the Independent:

A soldier facing court martial over his refusal to serve in Afghanistan is expected to claim in his defence that the war is unlawful.

Lance Corporal Joe Glenton, who appeared in court for a preliminary hearing into his case yesterday, maintains that British soldiers are dying in the interest of American foreign policy and should be brought home.

L/Cpl Glenton, 27, of the Royal Logistic Corps, did not enter a formal plea during proceedings in Wiltshire yesterday, where he was charged with desertion. He had been active in a campaign organised by the Stop the War Coalition and delivered a protest letter to Downing Street. The soldier's counsel, Hugh O'Donoghue, indicated that his client would deny the charge and may call an expert witness to give evidence on the lawfulness of the war.

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My Comment: If there ever was a media stunt .... this is it. He is not going to win his case, my bet is that he will probably kicked out of the army (dishonorably) asap.

But antiwar sentiment is increasing in the U.K., and this case will be used as a symbol for those who are opposed to the war in Afghanistan.