Michael Lyons, a navy medic was jailed for seven months for refusing to be trained to use a rifle. He felt that he “wasn’t able to carry out the order on ethical and moral grounds”.
Michael joined the navy when he was 18 but later developed a moral objection to the war in Afghanistan. At his Conscientious Objector hearing he said “If you're at a patrol base or forward operating base, it's likely you'll have to use your weapon and will have to turn civilians away who are in need of medical aid.
“If more people in my position stood up, there would be a lot less innocent lives lost around the world.”
- Letters to: 236 Michael Lyons, D Company, MCTC, Berechurch Hall Rd, Colchester CO2 9MU.
- It is a 700 mile round trip for Michael’s wife Lilian to visit. Donations to help with her travel expenses: cheque to "London Catholic Worker", write "Lyons" on the back. Send to "Michael Lyons Support" c/o Giuseppe Conlon House, 49 Mattison Rd. Harringey, London N4 1BG
- 3 September 3-5pm solidarity vigil, Colchester military prison. Details: Ciaron 079 392 90576