André ShepherdEaster letter to friends from Andre Shepherd
It has been almost a year since the German Federal Immigration Office denied my asylum. During this time the American Government continues to force soldiers such as myself to continue invading other lands under the guise of Democracy. It pains me to see that this once great country has decided to use its great power to subjugate the peoples of the world, rather than uplifting them to new heights. Even though the Iraq war has seemingly ended, there is still no end in sight for this ill-fated “War on Terror.” Soldier appeals for political asylum in Germany
The U.S. AWOL soldier André Shepherd today instructed his attorney to institute legal proceedings against the negative ruling on his application for asylum by the Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge [Federal Bureau of Migration and Refugees] that was served to days ago. At a press conference held by Connection e.V., PRO ASYL, and the Military Counseling Network in Frankfurt am Main, he commented at length. AWOL soldier André Shepherd receives German media award
Connection e.V. and MCN. Septermber 20, 2010 "André Shepherd has done what is prohibited to soldiers: he made a decision. Alone. He took his life into his own hands and said: I am not doing this anymore." - Editor Bernd Pickert Connection e.V. and Military Counseling Network are welcoming the conferment of Tageszeitung (taz) Panther Award to U.S. AWOL soldier André Shepherd last Saturday. "This is a clear sign how much approval is given to his decision“, Rudi Friedrich of Connection e.V. stated today. “We are now urging the German migration authorities to finally grant André Shepherd the necessary asylum protection." André Shepherd, Iraq vet, applies for asylum in Germany
By Sarah Lazare, Courage to Resist for AlterNet.org. January 8, 2009 U.S. Army Specialist André Shepherd, who went AWOL after serving in Iraq, has applied for asylum in Germany. Shepherd refused military service because he is morally opposed to the Iraq War. "It is a sickening feeling to realize that I took part in what was basically a daily slaughter of a proud people," said Shepherd at a press conference announcing his application for asylum. "I am remorseful for my contribution to these heinous acts, and I swear that I will never make these mistakes again." Audio interview by Courage to Resist. 23:30 min. December 8, 2008
Sign the appeal to the German government and donate Iraq war vet André Shepherd seeks asylum in Germany
By Military Counseling Network, Connection e.V., and Courage to Resist. December 3, 2008 FRANKFURT, Germany - U.S. Army Specialist André Shepherd applied for asylum in Germany Nov. 26, becoming the first Iraq War veteran to pursue refugee status in Europe. After attending college and failing to find meaningful employment, Shepherd enlisted in the military early in 2004. The promises of financial security and international adventure easily trumped working at a fast food chain. He became an Apache airframe mechanic, hoping to someday qualify up to the role of helicopter pilot. Audio interview by Courage to Resist. 23:30 min. December 8, 2008
Sign the appeal to the German government and donate AWOL Army resister applies for asylum in Germany
By Military Counseling Network, Connection e.V., and Courage to Resist. November 27, 2008 His application cites a European Union regulation providing refugee status to a soldier who is in danger of being prosecuted if military service “would include crimes or acts,” which violate international law. The application references the Nuremberg Trials, stating “It is established that a person cannot defend his or her actions by explaining that they had simply been following orders.” |
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"Your donations to Courage to Resist will help assure that those among our military who might otherwise be compelled to remain silent are able to take a strong and public stand..." read more | donate now ResistersOrder StuffGI Rights HotlineFor help getting out of the military, or related military issues, call the new GI Rights Hotline number at 877-447-4487. Free, confidential, and accurate info for troops, vets, recruits, and their families. |
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By André Shepherd, US GI objector in Germany. April 4, 2012
