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.
Latest News:
Monday, December 6, 2004
Amnesty International has written a piece called "Freedom
to Dissent Denied", featuring the cases of Camilo and Abdullah
Webster.
Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2004
Here are some photos from the vigil in Oklahoma. Thanks to James Branum from Voices in the Wilderness for the links.
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Monday, Oct. 18, 2004
"A Festival of Hope" will take place Sunday, October 24, and will include Maritza Castillo as one of the speakers. Click here for details.
Added a new letter of support and a link to a Mother Jones article called "Breaking Ranks".
Monday, Sept. 13, 2004
Camilo's Conscientious Objector claim has been denied based solely on
his opposition to the war in Iraq. For more details, go here.
Camilo has been given the Courageous Resister Award. Read his moving statement here. This is his first statement written from prison.
Wednesday, July 28, 2004
We are still waiting to hear the results of Camilo's June 23 hearing as
a Conscientious Objector.
Added a new letter from Amnesty International with further information.
An event will be held August 26 honoring courageous resisters. Click here for more information.
Thursday, July 8, 2004
The following is from Lewis Randa of the
Peace Abbey who witnessed Camilo's application hearing as a Conscientious
Objector:
"In an austere room, sitting around a table at a military prison at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, a drama of monumental significance unfolded like a morality play: A solitary man, refusing to desert his conscience, stood his ground against the war in Iraq, and with his head held high, proclaimed the power and majesty of nonviolence and love. When the hearing was over, despite all the testimonies and the moral imperative of his message -- resolute and confident, Camilo Mejia was led off to confinement like a common criminal to be punished for humanity's sin of waging war. So long as Camilo is behind bars, no one is truly free."
"Free Camilo" buttons and bumper stickers are available for the asking by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: Free Camilo / The Peace Abbey, 2 North Main Street, Sherborn, MA 01770.
Maritza and Norma Castillo, Camilo's mother and aunt, visited Houston's Consul General of Costa Rica seeking help. Here is some coverage from their visit.
Monday, June 21, 2004
PEACE VIGIL IN SUPPORT OF CAMILO!
A hearing will be held on June 23 at Ft. Sill on Camilo's Conscientious
Objector application. During the time of the hearing there will be a vigil
outside of Ft. Sill in support of Camilo's stand of conscience and the
cause of peace. Click here for details.
Amnesty International has written an open letter to President Bush on behalf of Camilo.
Friday, June 10, 2004
Bike for Peace to benefit Camilo's family will be Saturday, June 26, from
the Peace Abbey to Hanscom Air Force Base where Camilo surrendered to
military authorities. Registration is at 10:00 AM. At 10:30 Camilo’s
aunt, Norma Castillo will rally the Riders Riders leave at 11:00. Download
a Sponsorship form [.pdf]. For more information call 508-655-2143.
Friday, June 4, 2004
Amnesty International adopts Camilo as a prisoner of conscience! Read
more here.
