Author
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Topic: One Voice
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Gia unregistered
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posted September 20, 2004 11:18 PM
Greek soldier denies to take part in the Gulf warThe past three days, I have been imprisoned at Corinth’s Civil Prisons. I was accused of being a deserter, because I refused by means of my public statement on May 8th 2003 to embark on frigate Navarino, which was destined for the Gulf War and on which I was assigned a five-year service as a volunteer. On Monday morning, September 9th 2004, I appeared willingly at the Piraeus Naval Court, hoping that my 16-month “hostage” situation would come to an end. There, I was arrested and driven to the five-member naval court, where I was given a jail sentence of three years and four months. In the same morning, I read in the newspaper that an American soldier was given an eight-month sentence, although he had confessed to torturing Iraqi prisoners. My position was clear from the outset. I refused and still refuse, in all conscience and responsibility, to participate in or contribute by any means to the ruthless massacre of the Iraqi people and the bombardments of clinics and street markets. I refused and still refuse to take part in this never ending vicious circle of violence and insanity. Within the antiwar movement, I united my voice with the voice of millions of people all over the world against the terror of the war. My action was a minimal sign of solidarity to all those who suffer every day under such circumstances. É choose not to acquiesce in this absurd terror and not to accept the end of history. I paid and still pay the price. Yet, I am confident about the justice of people, more than the state justice that sentenced me; there is the justice of the Greek people who flooded the streets by thousands against this dirty war; this justice is much more important and true, and it has not announced its verdict yet.
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quiksilver unregistered
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posted September 20, 2004 11:35 PM
Well, you have to give this guy credit for following through on his beliefs. But why did he join the military in the first place if he objects to war? Unless he did not join but was drafted..... I wonder. Do you have any additional background on this person? I would be curious to know....IP: Logged |
Gia unregistered
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posted September 21, 2004 01:02 AM
He thinks the war in Iraq is a ruthless unjustified attack on a country. He considers it a dirty war. An illegal war. That is exactly what the United Nations think of it too.He was drafted. There are sixteen others like him in Greece who have followed his example. Now ninety eight soldiers in the United Kingdom are refusing to go back to Iraq. The movement seems to be growing. Do you think perhaps the Bush twins might fancy a bit of exotic travel? Gia IP: Logged |
paras unregistered
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posted September 21, 2004 01:16 AM
Wow... I so admire that... I only hope if it ever came to such a situation, I could find as much courage within myself, to stand for what I believe in -- or against what I don't -- as that man. Thank you for sharing, Gia! ------------------ And think not you can direct the course of love, for love, if it finds you worthy, directs your course. --Kahlil Gibran IP: Logged |
quiksilver unregistered
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posted September 21, 2004 09:09 PM
Thanks, Gia. I figured that he must have been drafted. I do not agree that Iraq is a dirty war but I do think that this guy has guts for standing for what he believes to be the truth.IP: Logged | |