Activists say deserter's term too severe

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SAN DIEGO, Jan. 14 (UPI) -- Anti-war activists in California say the punishment doled out to U.S. Marine Corps deserter Robin Long is too harsh.

Long, who was deported back to the United States from Canada, is being held at the brig at Marine Air Station Miramar where he has been serving a 15-month term since August, the Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday.

About two dozen members of Military Families Speak Out and San Diego Veterans for Peace protested outside the base Tuesday. The activists agree with Long's position that the Iraq war is illegal.

"Here's a guy who did what his conscience told him to do," said Dave Patterson, who was in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. "Why do we need to put him in prison? That's crazy."

Long, 25, of Boise, Idaho, who also was given a dishonorable discharge, is separated from his ailing girlfriend and their child, who are still in Canada.

Long enlisted in 2003 and deserted in 2005 from Fort Carson, Colo., when his unit was ordered to Iraq. His application for refugee status in Canada -- the first by a U.S. service member during the war -- was rejected.