Camilo Mejia Released from Prison

from http://www.camilomejia.org
CAMILO IS FREE!

Camilo was released from prison on February 15. Check this site for future statements and events. Here is his statement:

"I want to thank all the people and all the organizations who have supported my family and me throughout this most difficult time in our lives. I am now free from prison, but it was because of all of you that I remained a free man during my incarceration. I was not able to read all the mail that was sent, in part because prison rules did not allow it, and in part because I received thousands upon thousands of letters from all over the world. In time I will read all of them, and I will answer as many as I can. From the bottom of my heart, and on behalf of my family, my attorneys, and myself, thank you all.

At the present moment, there aren't any specific plans for the near future, other than to spend time with my family. But I certainly want to continue to lend my voice to the movement for Peace and Justice, of which I feel privileged to be a part. In time I will share my experiences with you. Please check this website to stay updated on any events for the future.

Thank you again for all your support. God bless you all."

BACKGROUND: On May 21, 2004, 28-year-old Sgt. Camilo Mejia was sentenced to one year in prison for refusing to return to fight in Iraq. Camilo spent six months in combat in Iraq, then returned for a 2-week furlough to the US. There he reflected on what he had seen, including the abuse of prisoners and the killing of civilians. He concluded that the war was illegal and immoral, and decided that he would not return. In March 2004 he turned himself in to the US military and filed an application for conscientious objector status.