Conscientious objector Malcolm Kendall-Smith
Use this form to send the letter below to the relevant authority (John Reid, Minister of Defence, Britain). You can add your own notes in a separate box after the standard text, if you wish. You must include a name, address, and email address; a copy will be sent to you with a cc to the WRI office (so we have a record of how many email letters have been sent out for this particular case).
Dear Mr John Reid, Minister of Defence
I am very concerned about the sentencing of conscientious objector Malcolm Kendall-Smith.
Malcom Kendall-Smith refused to deploy to Iraq based on his conscientious belief that the war in and occupation of Iraq is illegal according to international law. He stated after the court-martial: "Iraq was the only reason I could not follow the order to deploy. As a commissioned officer, I am required to consider every order given to me. Further, I am required to consider the legality of such an order not only as to its effect on domestic but also international law. I was subjected, as was the entire population, to propaganda depicting force against Iraq to be lawful. I have studied in very great depth the various commentaries and briefing notes, including one prepared by the Attorney General, and in particular the main note to the PM dated 7 March 2003. I have satisfied myself that the actions of the armed forces with the deployment of troops were an illegal act - as indeed was the conflict. To comply with an order that I believe unlawful places me in breach of domestic and international law, something I am not prepared to do."
Britain does recognise the right to conscientious objection, including selective objection to a particular war. In addition, the war in Iraq is contrary to international law, and any order to deploy to Iraq is therefore illegal. But even without any consideration of this argument, Malcolm Kendall-Smith should be recognised as a conscientious objector, and not be sentenced to prison.
I urge you to respect human rights, especially the right to conscientious objection.
- Sign and send this protest email