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OFKU0 · 12-08-2004, 09:45 PM

Wed, December 8, 2004

Iraqi civilians routinely killed: Ex-marine

By CP

TORONTO -- A former U.S. marine told a refugee hearing for an American war dodger yesterday that trigger-happy U.S. soldiers in Iraq routinely killed unarmed women and children, and murdered other Iraqis in violation of international law. In chilling testimony intended to bolster the asylum claim of compatriot Jeremy Hinzman, former staff sergeant Jimmy Massey recounted how nervous soldiers trained to believe that all Iraqis were potential terrorists often opened fire indiscriminately.

"I was never clear on who the enemy was," Massey, 33, told the hearing. "If you have no enemy or you do not know who the enemy is, what are you doing there?"

On several occasions, his soldiers pumped hundreds of bullets into cars that failed to stop at U.S. military checkpoints, killing all occupants -- who were later found to be unarmed, Massey said.

On another occasion, marines reacted to a stray bullet by killing a small group of unarmed protesters and bystanders, said Massey, who said he suffers from nightmares and post-traumatic stress disorder.

'MURDER'

"I was deeply concerned about the civilian casualties," he said. "What they were doing was committing murder."

Massey's statements echoed earlier testimony from Hinzman, who says he fled the U.S. military because he believed the invasion of Iraq was illegal, and any violent acts he committed there would be unconscionable.

"This was a criminal war," Hinzman said. "Any act of violence in an unjustified conflict is an atrocity."

Hinzman, 26, deserted his regiment in January just days before being deployed to Iraq, and fears he will be unfairly court-martialled if returned to the U.S.

While a federal government lawyer said U.S. deserters often get about a year in jail, Hinzman countered he would be treated more harshly because of his views on the Iraq war.

Brian Goodman, who is chairing the three-day Immigration and Refugee Board hearing that ends today, indicated he will likely decide Hinzman's claim early in the new year.

http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/Ottawa...08/772570.html

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So what is this all about? A disgruntled soldier doesn't want to fight, comes to Canada and hopes through his claims and of others that the Americans are in an illegal war so he can stay in Canada as a free person rather than being court martialled in his country?

Does he have a claim that's valid or not? What should happen to him?

12-08-2004, 09:45 PM	#1 (permalink)
OFKU0 Junk	Iraqi civilians routinely killed: Ex-marine Wed, December 8, 2004 Iraqi civilians routinely killed: Ex-marine By CP TORONTO -- A former U.S. marine told a refugee hearing for an American war dodger yesterday that trigger-happy U.S. soldiers in Iraq routinely killed unarmed women and children, and murdered other Iraqis in violation of international law. In chilling testimony intended to bolster the asylum claim of compatriot Jeremy Hinzman, former staff sergeant Jimmy Massey recounted how nervous soldiers trained to believe that all Iraqis were potential terrorists often opened fire indiscriminately. "I was never clear on who the enemy was," Massey, 33, told the hearing. "If you have no enemy or you do not know who the enemy is, what are you doing there?" On several occasions, his soldiers pumped hundreds of bullets into cars that failed to stop at U.S. military checkpoints, killing all occupants -- who were later found to be unarmed, Massey said. On another occasion, marines reacted to a stray bullet by killing a small group of unarmed protesters and bystanders, said Massey, who said he suffers from nightmares and post-traumatic stress disorder. 'MURDER' "I was deeply concerned about the civilian casualties," he said. "What they were doing was committing murder." Massey's statements echoed earlier testimony from Hinzman, who says he fled the U.S. military because he believed the invasion of Iraq was illegal, and any violent acts he committed there would be unconscionable. "This was a criminal war," Hinzman said. "Any act of violence in an unjustified conflict is an atrocity." Hinzman, 26, deserted his regiment in January just days before being deployed to Iraq, and fears he will be unfairly court-martialled if returned to the U.S. While a federal government lawyer said U.S. deserters often get about a year in jail, Hinzman countered he would be treated more harshly because of his views on the Iraq war. Brian Goodman, who is chairing the three-day Immigration and Refugee Board hearing that ends today, indicated he will likely decide Hinzman's claim early in the new year. http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/Ottawa...08/772570.html --------------------------------- So what is this all about? A disgruntled soldier doesn't want to fight, comes to Canada and hopes through his claims and of others that the Americans are in an illegal war so he can stay in Canada as a free person rather than being court martialled in his country? Does he have a claim that's valid or not? What should happen to him? __________________ " In Canada, you can tell the most blatant lie in a calm voice, and people will believe you over someone who's a little passionate about the truth." David Warren, Western Standard.