Peace protesters backing war resister

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 4 (UPI) -- A U.S. Army private who attempted to avoid serving in Iraq by fleeing to Canada was right to do so, peace protesters in California say.

Peace protesters in San Diego County, Calif., are supporting Pvt. Robin Long, 25, who was sentenced to 15 months in prison following his extradition from Canada and ensuing court martial last August, the San Diego Union-Tribune said Wednesday.

The protesters have held three vigils near the Miramar Marine Corps Air Station in support of Long and his desire not to serve in Iraq.

"We knew this kid made a moral decision, and he was honestly being punished for it," antiwar activist Dawn O'Brien, a Military Families Speak Out local chapter president, said. "It's not illegal to refuse to fight in an illegal war."

Dave Patterson, who heads up Veterans for Peace's San Diego chapter, said the vigils are protesters' attempt to help Long.

"We've been trying to figure out ways that we can help him out," Patterson said.

The Union-Tribune said, according to a Miramar base spokesman, the protest vigils have not disrupted base operations.