Camilo Mejia

Camilo Mejia is a former member of the Florida National Guard charged with desertion after failing to return to his unit after an October furlough. He turned himself in during March 2004, when he declared he did not want to fight in an "oil-driven war".

Related Topics:
Florida - National Guard - Desertion

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Mejia was placed under court-martial, and claimed that he left his post in order to avoid duties that could be considered war crimes: more specifically, the abuse and torture of prisoners. One of his attorneys, former United States Attorney General Ramsey Clark, claimed that he was thus protected from desertion charges by international law.

Related Topics:
Court-martial - War crime - Abuse and torture of prisoners - United States Attorney General - Ramsey Clark - International law

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On May 21 Mejia was convicted of desertion by a military jury and sentenced to the maximum penalty, a year in jail and a bad conduct discharge.

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Mejia served his time at the Fort Sill military prison in Lawton, OK. During his time in custody he was recognized by Amnesty International as a prisoner of conscience and was awarded by Refuse and Resist with its Courageous Resister Award.

Related Topics:
Fort Sill - Military prison - Amnesty International - Prisoner of conscience

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Camilo was also recognized by the Detroit City Council with a commendation for his stand.

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While confined, local and national activists organized a series of vigils outside the gates of Ft. Sill, including one attended by Kathy Kelly and other members of Voices in the Wilderness.

Related Topics:
Kathy Kelly - Voices in the Wilderness

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Camilo Mejia was released from prison on February 15, 2005. Since his release, he has spoken at many peace protests and to the press about his experiences and his oposition to the war in Iraq.

Related Topics:
February 15 - 2005

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