Defiant UK soldier faces new charges

A British soldier who refused to return to Afghanistan has been arrested and faces charges of speaking out against the Afghan mission which could put him in prison up to 10 years.

Lance Corporal Joe Glenton is accused of leading an anti-war demonstration and has been charged with failing to obey a lawful order and other disciplinary offenses.

He allegedly led the protest in London last month against the continued presence of UK troops in Afghanistan.

The Stop the War Coalition, which organized the rally, called for the soldier's release and accused the Ministry of Defense of trying to stop the freedom of speech.

The charges carry a maximum of ten years in prison. Glenton could face another four-year term as he is already facing a court martial for alleged desertion after going absent without leave in 2007.

"This is not about a breach of military regulations. This is about the persecution of a soldier who believes in telling the truth in accordance with his conscience," said Lindsey German, convener of the Stop the War Coalition.

"He is saying what the majority of the population believe — that this war is unwinnable and immoral."

According to recent polls, a majority of Britons have called for withdrawal of UK forces from Afghanistan.

Britain has 9,000 troops in Afghanistan and Prime Minister Gordon Brown has authorized the deployment of another 500.

A total of 232 British troops have died since the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001.