Lance Corporal Joe Glenton is amongst the anti-war military families and other peace campaigners at the front of the Troops Home March, called by Stop the War Coalition, CND and BMI. The peace demonstration marks the eighth anniversary of the Afghanistan invasion. Lance Corporal Joe Glenton is a serving soldier who is facing the prospect of a court martial for refusing to return to Afghanistan; also Glenton by exercising his right to freedom of speech, may not be conforming to an order from his regimental commander that he returns to barracks and does not campaign for peace by attending this Stop the War, Bring the Troops Home appeal. Glenton believes that politicians are abusing the trust of the Army and servicemen. Glenton is avoiding breaching international law created at the Nuremberg War Crimes Tribunal by not fighting in an illegal war. London, UK, 24 October 2009
Postscript, later:
Lance Corporal Joe Glenton, who already faces charges of desertion for refusing to return to Afghanistan, has been arrested and charged with five further offences for participating in Stop the War's demonstration in London on 24 October and for expressing what he believes to be right, to the media in possible defiance of orders. The new charges carry a maximum of ten years imprisonment in addition to the sentence of three to four years that Joe could receive if the desertion charge is upheld.
Joe's mother, Sue Glenton, has spoken out against her son’s arrest: "You've got government ministers, army commanders and MPs speaking every day in support of the war. What's so scary about a Lance Corporal having his say? My son is only speaking out for what he thinks is right."
Stop the War has launched a campaign to defend Joe Glenton and his right to freedom of speech.
Date: 24/10/2009
Location: Marble Arch, London, UK
Photographer: Richard Keith Wolff
