Full text of Watada statements cited in Army charging documents

As a result of Watada's public statements, the Army has charged him with two counts of conduct unbecoming an officer in violation of the Uniform Military Code of Justice Article 133. Each count carries a maximum of one year in prison. Below are the statements included in the charges.

Count (or Specification) 1:

In that 1st Lt. Ehren Watada, U.S. Army, did, at or near Tacoma, Wash., on or about 7 June 2006, take part in a public press conference in which he communicated the following disgraceful statement, to wit: "It is my conclusion as an officer of the Armed Forces that the war in Iraq is not only morally wrong but a horrible breach of American law. ... As the order to take part in an illegal act is ultimately unlawful as well, I must as an officer of honor and integrity refuse that order. ... The wholesale slaughter and mistreatment of Iraqis is not only a terrible and moral injustice, but it's a contradiction to the Army's own law of land warfare. My participation would make me party to war crimes," or words to that effect, his statement bringing dishonor to the Armed Forces.

Count (or Specification) 2:

In that 1st Lt. Ehren Watada, U.S. Army, did, at or near Seattle, Wash., on or about 12 August 2006, take part in the Veterans for Peace National Convention in which he communicated the following disgraceful statement, to wit: "Today, I speak with you about a radical idea. ... That to stop an illegal and unjust war, the soldiers can choose to stop fighting it. ... Now it is not an easy task for the soldier. For he or she must be aware that they are being used for ill gain. ... They must know that resisting an authoritarian government at home is equally important to fighting a foreign aggressor on the battlefield. ... This administration used us for rampant violations of time-tested laws banning torture and degradation of prisoners of war. Though the American soldier wants to do right, the illegitimacy of the occupation itself, the policies of this administration, and the rules of engagement of desperate field commanders will ultimately force them to be party to war crimes. ... If soldiers realized this war is contrary to what the Constitution extols -- if they stood up and threw their weapons down -- no President could ever again initiate a war of choice. When we say, 'Against all enemies foreign and domestic,' what if our elected leaders became the enemy? ... To support the troops who resist, you must make your voices heard. If they see thousands supporting me, they will know. ... We must show open-minded soldiers a choice and we must give them courage to act. ... I tell this to you because you must know that to stop this war, for the soldiers to stop fighting it, they must have the unconditional support of the people. ... Convince them that no matter how long they sit in prison, no matter how long this country takes to right itself, their families will have a roof over their heads, food in their stomachs, opportunities, and education. ... Now, I'm not a hero. I am a leader of men who said enough is enough. ... Never again will we allow those who threaten our way of life to reign free -- be they terrorists or elected officials. The time to fight back is now. The time to stand up and be counted is today," or words to that effect, his statement bringing dishonor to the Armed Forces.