JUDGE REFUSES TO STAY IMPRISONMENT OF FORT HOOD THREE
U.S. Supreme Court Justice William J. Brennan Jr. refused. October 12 to issue an.order to delay imprisonment of the "Fort Hood Three" for refusing to obey orders to go to Vietnam.
Pvt. Dennis Mora, Pvt. James A. Johnson and Pvt. David A. Samas were convicted in September by a court-martial composed of U.S. army officers. They were given sentences ranging from three to five years in prison for stating their refusal to become war criminals by participating in the slaughter of the Vietnamese people.
The three courageous American soldiers appealed their sentences and are prepared to carry them to the Supreme Court. This lengthy process, however, may take a number of years. In most cases, pending final decision of the Supreme Court, defendants are released . On: bail. . Attorneys for the Fort. Hood. Three. thus sought a stay from a member of the Supreme Court in the .execution of the sentence passed by the court-martial. By refusing to grant the stay, Brennan in effect indicates that his mind has been made up long before the case reaches his court.
Brennan's stand also has the practical effect of making the defense efforts more difficult, since the three victims cannot participate in a campaign to raise funds to meet the extremely high legal’ costs involved in an appeal.
'.The three prisoners have also confirmed that they are still being subjected to a cruel prison regime. This is probably petty revenge for the reports from Vietnam that the fighters of the National Liberation Front were given fresh inspiration by the example set. by the Fort Hood Three.
The case has gained international renown, but further publicity is required, including expressions of solidarity. These should be sent to the Fort Hood Three Defense Committee, 5 Beekman St., -10th Floor, New. York, N.Y. 10028.
Ta