Medic unjustly denied CO discharge sues Army, with your help
With
your help, objector Robert Weilbacher will overturn the illegal denial
of his conscientious objector discharge in federal court. The ACLU
attorneys are donating their time; however, they are counting on Courage
to Resist and supporters like you to cover expenses, including travel
and court fees. Will you help us cover the $5,000 Robert needs? Please donate today.
By the American Civil Liberties Union of the Nation’s Capital. April 30, 2015
WASHINGTON – A U.S. Army medic stationed in Korea has asked a federal
court in Washington D.C. to order the Army to discharge him as a
conscientious objector. The Army refused to release Robert Aaron
Weilbacher from his enlistment, according to the lawsuit, even though
his claim was upheld by the Army Conscientious Objector Review Board,
whose decision was final under the Army’s own regulations. Weilbacher is
represented by the American Civil Liberties Union of the Nation’s
Capital.
After a lengthy investigation and a hearing, the Army’s Review Board
determined that clear and convincing evidence established that
Weilbacher’s sincere and deeply held moral and ethical beliefs do not
permit him to continue to serve in the military. Army regulations
entitle sincere conscientious objectors to an honorable discharge if
their beliefs have changed since they enlisted.
ACLU-DC Legal Director Arthur Spitzer said: “this case is about the
importance of protecting the rights of military conscientious objectors
and about the importance of government agencies – including the military
– following their own rules and regulations. In Mr. Weilbacher’s case,
the Army didn’t follow its own rules and regulations, and failed to
honor his deeply held moral and ethical objection to participation in
war.” ...
Weilbacher’s legal action claims that the Deputy Assistant
Secretary’s action was unlawful and contrary to Army Regulations, and
that the Review Board’s final decision granting him an honorable
discharge as a conscientious objector should be implemented immediately.
Read more...
We need to raise approximately $5,000
to cover Robert’s legal expenses. To back Robert in his legal action
against the Army, please donate today at
https://co.clickandpledge.com/default.aspx?wid=109203
For those who prefer using PayPal:
http://couragetoresist.org/paypal-weilbacher
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