Camilo Mejia, originally from Nicaragua and a soldier in the US army, who declared himself a conscientious objector and refused to go back to his post in Iraq. He is going to appear before a military court on May 19, the charge is desertion.

Camilo's mother has appealed for support and we take this opportunity to invite everyone to send messages of  solidarity to Camilo and to register our protest with the military. At a time when so much information is emerging about  the rape and torture of Iraqi prisoners by US and UK soldiers, it is crucial that we support those who publicly  disassociate themselves from this and the slaughter of women, children and men in the war.

 Please send us copy of whatever you write, we'll publish it on our website http://www.refusingtokill.net.

Camilo Mejia's mother requests support
 

 My name is Maritza Castillo and I'm an active member of Military Family Speak Out (MFSO). I'm also the mother of Staff  Sergeant Camilo Mejia.

 On March 24, 2004, Louis Font, my son's lawyer informed me about the chargesthat my son is being accused  of. This is what he told me:

"Staff Sgt. Camilo Mejia, 28, of Miami, Florida was charged by his commanders at Ft. Stewart, Georgia with desertion  on Wednesday, March 24, 2004.He will be tried by a Special Court Martial, which means that the   maximum sentence he can receive is one year imprisonment and a Bad Conduct Discharge."
 

 President Bush does not give any explanation about the weapons of mass destruction that have not been found and for which he invaded and bombarded thepeople of Iraq and sent our young soldiers to die in this illegal and immoral war. Instead he makes a mockery about the reasons he's had to spend the money of the American  people in this bellicose adventure. When he is asked about the weapons of mass destruction and the chemical  weapons, he responds with vulgar gestures.

 It is in this context that the army ignores the conscientious objection application that my son Camilo submitted to this institution. Instead they accuse him of desertion.
 
I'm addressing the people of the United States of America, the Hispanic Community and the world to express my  deepest sorrow and indignation about the injustice that is being made against my son. I want to ask you to continue giving him your support. Please write letters to Camilo expressing your support towards his cause. Send  letters to the Army Officials and to the Congress of the United States demanding that his conscientious objection application be accepted.

                       Camilo's Address:
                       Ssg. Mejia Camilo 
                       A Company USAG MED-HOLD 865
                       Hase Road, 
                       Ft. Stewart, GA 31315

                       Commanding General, Fort Stewart's Address:
                       Major General William G.Webster, Jr. 
                       Commanding General,Fort Stewart, 
                       42 Wayne Place, 
                       Ft Stewart GA 31314