Statement of Support for Suzanne Swift

Suzanne Swift’s failure to report for duty in Iraq is not only justified as a response to abhorrent conditions, but rests upon sound legal foundations.

Toleration of sexual harassment and exploitation is not a patriotic duty.  Sexual harassment by military superiors in a combat zone – where the perpetrator has potentially life and death control of the victim – is the most egregious form of this misconduct imaginable.

Moreover, this illegal sexual misconduct was embedded within an illegal invasion and occupation of another country innocent of any harm to the United States, and neither must be condoned or ignored by the citizens of America.  Refusal to deploy in an illegal war is entirely legal under Army Field Manual 27-10 on the Laws of War, the Uniform Code of Military Justice, the Nuremberg Principles, and Article VI of the United States Constitution that requires compliance with international covenants.  Refusal of an illegal order is not only a right but a responsibility under these principles of military and international law.
Please visit www.SuzanneSwift.org for more information, and ways you can support her.