United Press International
Since the war started in Iraq, the Pentagon says 5,500 U.S. soldiers have deserted, with some of them seeking refugee status in Canada, broadcast sources reported Thursday.
Among them is 26-year-old Jeremy Hinzman, whose Toronto court bid for refugee status wrapped up Wednesday.
Hinzman of Rapid City, S.D., joined the Army in January 2001, and was a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne. He said he didn't want to simply get out of the Army.
"I had signed a contract for four years," he said. "I was totally willing to fulfill it -- just not in combat arms jobs."
Following his hearing, his lawyer and the Solcitor General's office are expected to file written submissions by Jan. 24. After that, the judge said a decision would be made as soon as possible, the Toronto Sun said.
Meanwhile, other soldiers who were denied conscientious objector status are using the Internet to locate Vietnam-era resisters who assist and even drive objectors to Canada, broadcast sources said.