The court-martial of Lt. Ehren Watada began yesterday with lawyers on both sides questioning potential jurors. In June 2006 Watada openly refused to be deployed to Iraq stating that the war has been proved unjust because unconventional weapons have not been found in Iraq and that American soldiers have mistreated the Iraqis. He also said that President Bush and his administration have unjustly used 9/11 to justify the war.

Currently there are three charges pending against Watada:

• conduct unbecoming an officer (for statements made in speeches and interviews)
• missing movement (for refusing to deploy to Iraq on June 22)
• contempt toward officials (in this case, President Bush)

These charges carry the possible sentence of up to six years in a military prison and dismissal, which is more severe than a dishonorable discharge.

The case has become a rallying point for the anti-war movement and over 1,000 Watada supporters turned out at Ft. Lewis on the first day of his court-martial.

Commenting on the case Capt. Dan Kuecker said at one hearing that: “He betrayed his fellow soldiers who are now serving in Iraq.” Kuecker has not commented on the case outside of court. Many others in the military share Kuecker’s sentiment.

The defense’s attempts to question the legality of the war were thwarted by a judge citing that the legality of the war was not at issue in this case, only Watada’s refusal to be deployed to Iraq and his public statements against the president.

The case continues later this week with Watada’s own testimony which could be the ultimate deciding factor in his verdict.