British-Yemeni soldier condemns UK-Saudi arms trade
Robert Carter
Press TV, London
What is the fate of Ahmad Al-Batati? That is the question many are asking after the soldier was arrested by military police, following a protest against Britain's role in the war on Yemen, outside Downing Street, on August 24th.
Just hours before, the Yemen born lance corporal became an online hit after publishing a video online, condemning the UK for arming the Saudi regime which is bombing & besieging Yemen.
Protesting outside Downing Street isn't normally illegal - but British soldiers criticizing the government whilst in uniform is.
Ahmed knew this but went ahead anyway, claiming that he would "rather sleep peacefully in a cell, than stay silent for a pay check."
To find out what's happened to Ahmed since, I traveled up to his home city Sheffield to speak with his close friend, Ali Hosin, who helped with the protest.
Ali explained that Ahmed is being gagged from speaking to the press amid an ongoing army investigation but that Ahmed has no regrets.
So far, the British Army has refused to comment on Ahmed's case, other than he's under investigation.
But the situation does presents a dilemma.
Further action would boost publicity for Batati’s protest but no response may encourage more conscientious objectors to take moral stands over British crimes in Yemen and elsewhere...
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