Stand up and be Counted

Joe Glenton was the first soldier to speak out against the Afghan war and now faces up to two years in prison. In a letter to the Prime Minister he stated his belief that “the war in Afghanistan is not reducing the terrorist risk” and that he and his fellow soldiers had become tools of American foreign policy. He has since been gagged by the MOD.

Q What do you think the outcome of the court martial will be?

It’s difficult to say, they may want to make an example out of him and we expect him to do some time. But in Joe’s eyes he will win whatever the outcome and he is prepared for anything.

Q What do you think about his decision to take a stand?

I’m 100 per cent supportive. He is an amazing person who has shown incredible strength and courage. I am very proud to be his wife.

Q Are you glad he is no longer in Afghanistan?

Of course. I am unsure of our reasons for being there and so many people are dying in all the British taxpayer’s name. All troops need to be withdrawn or at the very least, the government has to start thinking about it now.

Q How is he the rest of your family coping?

Really well, we are there for each other 100 per cent, it’s hard to be apart but we know it won’t be for long in the scheme of things.

Q Is he traumatised by his experience in Afghanistan? What has he said about conditions there?

Being on tour affects people in many different ways. Even though his experience may not have been as difficult as others’ he saw and did things that were upsetting to him and this will always be with him.

Q What has been the reaction of his friends in his regiment and other servicemen and women?

Quietly supportive. A lot agree with him but they are just lads doing their job and don’t really question anything. This is what makes Joe unique. The first of his kind. There are others who are army through and through and don’t seem to question orders and get on with the job, be it right or wrong.

Q Does he see his resistance to the war as a political act or one of compassion?

It’s a mixture of both. Having been there, he has seen the way it has affected the Afghan people and how very little their lives have improved, but he is fighting the government and questioning the legality of the war so it has a very political angle too.

Q What will he do next?

Joe plans to go to university to study International Relations or Political Science.

Q How can people support him?

By thinking about the war and what it means to them. Please send in comments to  joeisinnocent@hotmail.co.uk. Stand up and be counted, most opinions are important.

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