This is bad news for Kevin, but good news, in my opinion, for the anti-war movement. It shows that Kevin's case had way too much publicity for military comfort. The intent is clearly to make a point to other would-be consciencious objectors.Debbie Clark covering the court-martial for Antiwar.com from Fort Stewart, Georgia, reports that judge Col. Donna M. Wright has convicted Sgt. Kevin Benderman of the charge of missing movement," failing to convict on the charge of desertion.
Updated: Judge Wright sentenced Sgt. Benderman to 15 months. Observers felt this was a harsher sentence than expected for the lesser charge. He also received a dishonerable discharge and a reduction in rank to E-1. This is believed to be the harshest sentence yet for an Iraq resister. Judge Wright threw out the bogus charge of larceny (for receiving the wrong pay grade) earlier in the week.
Military police immediately took Sgt. Benderman into custody.
From what I've read about the case, this does seem an unjust finding, to say nothing of the sentencing. I don't know if it can be appealed, or if Kevin would consider that.
Stay tuned.
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