SEATTLE (AP) – The Justice Department will not appeal a court ruling that blocked the Army from re-trying an Army lieutenant who refused to deploy to Iraq in 2006.
Army spokesman Joe Piek says Fort Lewis learned last week of the decision in the case of Ehren Watada, who claimed the war was illegal and publicly denounced President George W. Bush.
Watada’s first court-martial ended in a mistrial. A federal judge ruled last fall that the Army could not try him again on key charges, including missing troop movement, because it would be double jeopardy.
Piek says Fort Lewis leadership is still weighing how to handle remaining charges of conduct unbecoming an officer. Options include court-martial, nonjudicial punishment or discharge.
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