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A U.S. airman says he is facing charges for criticizing President Trump over the Iran war, which his attorneys believe to be among one of the only instances an officer of his rank has been charged under the uniform code of military justice for contemptuous words against officials.
Major Jason Watson, 40, has been detained twice in recent weeks. On one occasion, he called for Mr. Trump’s impeachment — while in uniform at the U.S. Capitol.
A spokesperson for the Air Force on Tuesday confirmed that he was charged with three violations of Article 88, including for contempt toward Officials. The violations are disobeying orders and conduct unbecoming an officer.
The charges were first reported by CNN.
The Air Force said Watson will be held in pre-trial confinement.
According to Watson’s attorneys, he is believed to be among the first officers of his rank in the history of the military to be charged under Article 88.
The charges are the rare occurrence of the U.S. military not handling punishment behind closed doors.
Watson was first detained on July 1, while protesting in uniform on the steps of the Capitol. He was holding a sign that said “Impeach. Convict. Remove,” referring to Mr. Trump. He was then detained again last week, after he gave an interview to CNN and said Mr. Trump is a “not only a failure as president, he is flagrantly violating the Constitution, breaking the law, engaged in rampant corruption and is killing Americans.”
After Watson’s arrest in July, Air Force Secretary Troy Meink wrote on social media that he expects every airman to “comply with all laws and policies, government, personal conduct, political participation and the wear of the uniform.”
Watson’s attorney told CNN on Monday that Watson “stands by the fact that he did this so others wouldn’t have to.”
