JUDGE DECLARES A MISTRIAL

Lt. Watada's court martial came to an abrupt halt on Wednesday, February 7th, when the military judge nullifed the Stipulation of Facts accepted by the prosecution and the defense a week before the trial commenced. Over the objection of Lt. Watada's defense attorney, the judge granted the prosecution's motion for a mistrial. The army has announced March 19, 2007 as the new trial date. However, according to Eric Seitz, Lt. Watada's attorney, "The mistrial is very likely to have the consequence of ending this case because double jeopardy may prevent the government from proceeding with a retrial." Click here.
Press conference videos: Statement by defense attorney Eric Seitz; comments by Lt. Watada's mother, Carolyn Ho, and Retired Colonel Ann Wright. Click here.
Lt Watada - First Commissioned Officer to Refuse Deployment
On June 22, 2006, U.S. Army 1st Lieutenant Ehren K. Watada stepped forward as the first commissioned officer to publicly refuse deployment to the Iraq War and occupation. He faces court martial and up to 4 years imprisonment (reduced from an original 6 years maximum) for refusing to deploy and for speaking out against a war that he believes is illegal.
In support of his courageous action, the Lt. Ehren Watada Campaign is working to educate and broaden the dialog on constitutional rights. The campaign is also involved with mobilizing grassroots action to insure that our government upholds Lt. Watada's right to speak out and refuse to participate in illegal military action in Iraq.
Help us educate and mobilize others by signing the petition and making a donation to the Lt Watada defense fund.
Watch Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTiLV4UnuNw&eurl=

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