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No BAD arrests pending March court hearing - Govt

Soldiers march during the inter-platoon drill competition during the Recruit Camp 2011 passing out parade at Warwick Camp on Saturday.

Government has agreed not to arrest four Regiment conscripts who claim to be conscientious objectors for the time being.Eugene Johnston, who represents Bermudians Against the Draft (BAD), sought an emergency injunction last week to stop Shaki Easton, James Famous and brothers Seth and Tekle Ming being arrested and taken to Recruit Camp.The matter was adjourned until Monday when a hearing took place in judge's chambers.Mr Johnston said last night Government gave an undertaking that day not to arrest the men before March 17 when his legal bid to fight his own Regiment call-up is set for mention in the Supreme Court. “They made us argue the matter fully before giving the undertaking,” he said.Mr Easton, Mr Famous and the Ming brothers lost their attempt last month to be declared conscientious objectors by the Exemption Tribunal, appealed the decision and lost again.But BAD's argument is they should not be made to serve until other legal proceedings regarding conscription are completed.A Supreme Court hearing involving three other BAD members is due to start on Monday.Jamel Hardtman and brothers Larry Jr and Lamont Marshall claim their constitutional right to be protected from inhumane treatment will be breached if they have to do military service.They also claim the Exemption Tribunal is biased and they should have been considered conscientious objectors when they applied for that status.* Useful websites: www.draftresistance.org/BAD.php and www.bermudaregiment.bm.