GI Discharged for Refusing U.N. Service
A U.S. soldier whose refusal to serve under U.N. command was lauded by conservatives but called a potential “cancer” by the Army was convicted of disobedience Wednesday and given a bad-conduct discharge.
Spc. Michael New, 22, is the first American serviceman court-martialed for refusing to accept foreign command in a United Nations operation.
New, a medic from Conroe, Texas, stood impassively as the seven-man jury returned the verdict after 20 minutes of deliberation. His attorneys say he will appeal.
The case has been championed by American conservatives who oppose placing U.S. armed forces under U.N. command. About 100 members of Congress have sponsored legislation making it illegal to order anyone in the armed services to wear U.N. insignias.
In closing arguments, prosecutors said New’s conduct could have spread like a “cancer” through the unit if it was not punished.
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