Semrau demoted, kicked out of Canadian Forces

A CTV correspondent says Capt. Robert Semrau who was convicted of disgraceful conduct is not receiving a prison sentence. Instead, he has been demoted and dismissed from the military for the battlefield shooting of a Taliban insurgent in Afghanistan in 2008.

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CTV.ca News Staff

Date: Tue. Oct. 5 2010 11:51 AM ET

Robert Semrau has been demoted and also dismissed from the Canadian Forces as punishment after he was convicted of disgraceful conduct in the shooting of an unarmed Afghan insurgent.

Military judge Lt.-Col. Jean-Guy Perron demoted Semrau from captain to second-lieutenant when handing down his sentence in a Gatineau, Que., courtroom on Tuesday morning.

Earlier this year, Semrau, 36, was convicted of disgraceful conduct in the October 2008 shooting of an unarmed enemy fighter who had been mortally wounded in Afghanistan.

At the time of the incident, Semrau had been on a mission with Afghan and Canadian soldiers to clear out Taliban insurgents from a part of Helmand province.

The soldiers came under attack and when the fighting stopped, one insurgent was killed and another was mortally wounded.

Witnesses later said that after the fighting ended, Semrau returned to the site of the fighting with a Canadian soldier and an Afghan soldier and twice shot the wounded fighter at close range to put him out of his misery.

According to what the Canadian witness told Semrau's trial, the Canadian Forces captain said "it would be inhumane to leave (the wounded insurgent) like that, he was mortally wounded," said CTV's Daniele Hamamdjian when discussing the case on CTV News Channel on Tuesday morning.

Witnesses said the wounded insurgent whom Semrau shot had been strafed by a helicopter and had suffered a severed leg in the fighting.

The road to sentencing

Three months after the incident, Semrau was charged with second-degree murder, but he was acquitted of that charge at trial. Instead, he was found guilty of disgraceful conduct.

Semrau did not testify during his months-long trial, which wrapped up in July.

Hamamdjian said the judge told Semrau at his sentencing that his conduct on the battlefield had been "shockingly unacceptable."

Semrau sat quietly in the courtroom as Perron handed down his sentence during the hour-long hearing on Tuesday morning.

Perron said the case involving Semrau and the shooting of the unarmed insurgent was "unique," with no similar cases in existence.

The judge said the shooting was "completely out of character" for Semrau, but was also done without regard for the rules of the military.

Semrau committed a "grave breach of discipline" by shooting the insurgent and set a poor example for his own troops, the judge said.

Perron said Semrau would be dismissed from the military without disgrace, meaning that he could work for the Crown or the government in future. He did not order Semrau to serve any jail time.

Prior to his military trial, Semrau had a spotless record with the Canadian military.

With files from The Canadian Press

Please Add Comments( )

Tara
said

Our prayers are with you and your family Rob!

CAMP0045
said

Our troops are at war. Canada is at war. How regrettable. The theatre of war requires war-like behaviors. This young man deserves a medal, not punishment.

Old Soldier
said

While a civilian could not understand his actions, any man who has served on the field of battle does. He was guilty of an offence only in the minds of those politically correct types who have no clue about the realities of that field. "They little knew of brotherhood, the faith of fighting men"

IslandBrad
said

I feel for this man. I really do. With all the bad things that come with war time, this man is being punished for doing something I consider good. If he had stood there and enjoyed watching this man suffer through his last breaths, while insulting him, his people, his country, he would probably still be a free man. Sickening.

Edb(Hamilton)
said

He relieved the suffering of an enemy combatant. I commend his courage and compassion for pulling the trigger.

William
said

The only thing I would like to know is was this an act of compassion or aggression? If it was an act of compassion in a theater of war then why the court martial? Sometimes the military likes to eat their own and I wonder if there isn't some other reason like internal politics behind this action. Our service men put themselves in harms way and are asked to make many very difficult decisions in an atmosphere of war and its easy when you aren't there to second guess all their actions. Not sure I like what I see happening here.

scott
said

All Robert Semrau did was show mercy and this is how he is rewarded. Grant you, to people who are not soldiers, shooting someone who is unarmed and gravely injured is an act of cold blooded murder but trust me he did the humane thing by ending his suffering. I like to think that if I were in the same situation that I would have the courage to do what Captain Semrau did.

mining guy Jim
said

There has to be some motivating factor here that we have not heard about. There is an enormous difference between an act of compassion, and lining up a bunch of unarmed enemy in some compound and gunning them down. Tying the two together under the legal terms of killing unarmed enemy is BS. I hope he gets off Scot Free, but in reality I know what happens in these cases. Ex Coelis brothers.

Enigma21
said

Has this ever happened before on a battlefield? Yes. Will it happen again on a battlefield somewhere? Definitely. Will the Canadian government ever condone this kind of action? Never in a million years so my money says he will be convicted. Today's atmosphere of political correctness demands it regardless of the circumstances of the event.

Riley
said

WHAT A SHAME. Enough said.

Anna
said

This story underlines the stupidity of war. A soldier shoots an enemy soldier and he could be court martialled for it. Why? Because apparently he didn't shoot him according to the rules. How ridiculous is that? If we expect soldiers to follow guidelines about when and how they may or may not kill an enemy soldier, why can't we have guidelines about how we treat and are treated by other countries so we don't have to go to war at all? It seems this fellow was able to show compassion in an otherwise violent moment.

Ken
said

The fact this officer has been court martialed for a humane act is despicable. We train our servicemen to be killers and when they do their job in the interest of compassion they are punished?

Still serving proudly
said

If the shoe was on the other foot and Captain Semaru was at the mercy of the Taliban fighter, I don't think he would have been so lucky. He did the right thing and for the right reasons. Please hold your head high Sir.

Matt F - Niagara Region
said

I sincerely respect the reasons why Capt. Robert Semrau took such action. This is a man who dedicated himself to protecting this nation, he has done his job. All those who condem this man, need to know this world is a dark place. Our soldiers are the very foundation in which light exists, over in places of dispair and violence. Putting a human out of shear agony in a war zone, shouldn't put our heros in prison.

confam
said

I don't think you need to be a soldier and understand warfare to be able to empathize with what this man did. He showed compassion to a fellow human being, and in my book, that's never a bad thing, no matter who or where you are...

Richard Kake
said

We send men and women to fight for freedom and democracy then we punish them for acts that happen in a time of war, this captain deserves a medal, we should send some politicians overthere and give them a gun lets see how they will do. They would probably turn arround and run. Easier to judge when you are not in the field of combat.

billy perks
said

We're at war here peoples,kill or be killed.They weren't out there having a chit chat over a cold beer.

june
said

only in canada!!! this man was protecting his country!! unreal!

Terry r from Alberta
said

All the best Rob.You should have never been on trial for putting another combatant out of their misery of dying a slow painful deathPro Patria

Robinon
said

What a disgrace that this guy is on trial for killing an enemy combatant during a time of war. Even worse it was an act of compassion because he was wounded so severely death was iminent. Think twice if you honestly believe that your grandfathers and great grandfathers didn't do the same thing to their enemies during the 1st and 2nd World Wars.This guy is a soldier trained to protect us and to kill the enemy, and in my view did absolutely everything he was suppose to do. Unfortunately for him we now live in a Nanny state where this could even be brought to trial. I'm ashamed of my country today for making this man endure a trial and now certain jail time. My thoughts are with you and your family Robert.

Christopher Howard
said

This is a shame that we send our troops into harm's way and then pick one to make an "example" for conduct that is a facet of war. Its very likely that all of us with any form of morality would do the same in this situation if we shared the courage to serve.The charges are based on limited evidence and politically motivated agenda by higher ranks trying to make themselves look good at the expense of this officer.Step up to the plate Minister McKay and exonerate this guy. Your requirement efforts will take a major hit with this sentence as from I can tell, I would do the same in this situation. I'm sure that we're not alone in this thinking as euthanasia happens every day in much less stressful conditions.

Colin
said

"US Apache choppers sprayed the area with 30-mm machine-gun fire. As Semrau and his small team advanced, they found two victims of the short engagement. One was dead, and the other was lying in a pool of his own blood, with gaping holes in his back and stomach and a shrapnel-lacerated leg barely attached to the remains of his foot. Medical evacuation was not an option."

So I ask the courts , what would you have done?

My thoughts , hopes and best wishes go out to Capt Semrau.

Logan
said

I am getting sick of this country playing BUDDY-BUDDY with the enemy. They are the ENEMY, not our friends. This is war! What difference does it make if we put a few wounded ENEMY soldiers out of both their and our misery?! Just means the probability of his potential escape from our clutches is NONEXISTANT! They are trying to kill us, we should offer no mercy in return. We should hit them HARD, FAST, AND RIGHT WHERE IT HURTS!

BC boy
said

I appreciate what Capt. Robert Semrau did for Canada (and he should get a medal for that) but if this report is correct, he did break well established rules of war.Hopefully our captured and wounded Canadian soldiers will be given respect and the opportunity of a recovery.

Les Grossman
said

We are with your Sir. You did the right thing.

hunter
said

This is what happens when goverment tries to rule the military. Those fat, lazy money wasting jerks are leading people down a path that they have no idea of. War is hell. Plain and simple. Are we trying to second guess our soldiers. That second could kill a lot of our soldiers. The Captain did what he was taught to do as a leader of men in war. 2 rules in war 1; people die 2; Officers can't change rule 1. He has to answer to himself everyday and I'm sure that is a hell too. Good luck Captain and I'll pray for you, your family and your troops. Thanks for continuing our freedom.

JP - A Veteran in BC
said

Bring our troops home.Under Harper we have lost many heros, fightinga war that is not ours, ruining the lives of the militray men. Then once they are home - again thanks to Harper- they will have to g fight with Vet Affairs to get help and benifits.What this man did is wrong , but some of the blame lays with Stephen Harper and the Reform- Allience-Conservatives, ?? what ever there name is. MR HARPER - BRING OUR TROOPS HOME.You have ruined our name as The PeaceKeepers of the World.

Retired Captain Dartmouth
said

Good luck....in the court of public opinion.....you did the right thing for the right reasons......to bad it is always the good ones that are sacrified on the alter of "political correctness" to placate the academics who very likely would have done the same thing under the same circumstances. Until one has felt and heard the eerie crack of live rounds passing them in a hot fire zone.....who are we to judge..!!

Lz in Edmonton
said

Oddly, we treat pets and road injuried wild life with more humanity than we do a extremely injured human enenmy or not on a field of battle. This person that was shot, had no legs, his intestines out, and moaning...... I guess if your dog was hit by a car, we should just let it die slowly and with some meaning???????? Captain, you did the right thing.

Allan - Angus
said

As a retired soldier, I support Capt Semrau 100%. What he (allegedly) did will live with him forever, and I suspect that he would rather have done what he (allegedly) did, and live with the consequences than to wonder "What if??". I wish they would give him a slap on the wrist (preferably none at all, but the powers-that-be have to appease all the armchair generals who grow faint thinking about the incivility that is warfare), and allow him to remain in uniform, as he is the type of officer that our soldiers need. PRO PATRIA.

MC in Ottawa
said

I personally think he should be acquitted of anything. How can this be classified as disgraceful conduct when doctors do the same thing for cancer patients in hospitals by elevated morphine drips in the last days of a dying patient? We also have vets who euthanize animals if severely wounded. If I was mortally wounded like that fellow human being, I would wish someone to put me out of my misery as well. Go Semrau Go!

Steve
said

Welcome to Harper's Canada, nothing is fair in Harperland.

Disgusted Canadian
said

To hold a Court Martial of this sort just adds to the enemy's propaganda machine and their moral righteousness. No other Allied country has done such a thing, they are actually supporting their troops, not prosecuting them for doing their job. I suggest the captain return to the British Army, where they know how to get on with the business of war.

David in NB
said

Someone wrote:"This is what happens when goverment tries to rule the military"I would ask what the alternative is: for the military to rule the government?I can call Rob Semrau a friend, and have known him for a few years. I will not comment on whether or not what he did was right, or wrong. But some of the comments in here are a bit disturbing. We in the military MUST live by the rule of law: The Criminal Code of Canada, the National Defence Act, and any other applicable laws, including internationally recognised Laws of Armed Conflict. If laws weren't to apply to us, then we would stop being soldiers and then only be a mob.

Ryan in Alberta
said

Who in this free country is willing to fight for the prosecution of one of our finest heroes!?! The advocates for the conviction, and jail term of this Canadian soldier should be absolutely ashamed of themselves, and raelize if it weren't for brave men and women risking everything now and in the past, we whould not have such things as free speech and trials. We are now using our freedoms against the very people who earn them for us! This is a very unfortunate trial or the future of Canada and our soldiers!

Scott (in Wild Rose Alliance Country)
said

As a veteran soldier myself I applaud the good Capt. for his actions in putting a combatant out of his misery. Having said that, we don't condone mercy killing in Canada, why would we condone it in a theater of war?

Brneda
said

Now if that had been one of mine or your relatives and he didn't shoot the person who then went on to suffer extensively and extremely painfully, would you not want him to have put this person out of his misery? We would have been the first to have complained that he didn't do what was right and now look at everyone carrying on about this.

Tim
said

The Taliban go around hanging five year old children as they did in August and yet the media mostly ignores the crimes that the Taliban commit. It is mostly the lefties that want soldiers like Semrau to pay the price of the war by subjecting him to this mistreatment. I see certain university professors and civil liberty lawyers condemning what NATO soldiers do, but yet I don't see them condemning Taliban acts.

Dennis R
said

To Old Soldier; I disagree with you Sir.

I am a civilian Sir and as far as I am concerned this fine Soldier/Man should be set free fourth with and given a Medal for his action, this was done in a field of battle, it was done I truly believe as an act of compassion from all reports I have heard & read.

If this milatairy court finds this Soldier guilty of anything they should be brought before a tribunial to answer for their crimes against one of their own, they should be found derilict of their duities to a fellow Solidier and all be removed from further service, I will never respect those involved ever again.

My left hand is over my Heart and my hat is off to you Old Soldier and to this Soldier and not to mention all those in our Canadian Armed Service. Hoo Rah

Sober, Newmarket
said

A very difficult decision - for him and the court. I feel for him and hope fairness will prevail.

Jeromy from Edmonton
said

Thank you Capt. Semrau for being a leader, showing compassion, respect and maintaining the high standards that are expected of Canadian soldiers.You did what was right. You did not let a human being suffer a horrible death. You performed your duty. You made the right, all be it hard, deicison in the most extreme of times. I commend you.

Frank
said

I find it deplorable that this BRAVE soldier did his duty only to be punished by a bunch of pencil pushers who's biggest combat action was probably fighting for the last donut.

An absolute DISGRACE and a complete farce. I truly hope he's found NOT guilty and is given a medal for what he's done.

For those who support the court proceedings, do you really think if the roles were reversed and it was this brave soldier lying there that the Taliban would have shown mercy? I think we all know the answer to that question, even the leftist do gooders.

Cheryl in Ottawa
said

The only disgraceful conduct here was this witch hunt against Capt. Robert Semrau. We wouldn't want to upset the TALIBAN now would we. Only in Canada. Disgusting!

Rob from North Bay
said

If the Taliban had captured a wounded Semrau, they would have skinned him alive, then hung him in a tree so the insects could finish him off. In that we are prosecuting this soldier for an act of compassion speaks volumes for how twisted the rules we follow are.

Capt (ret'd) Usher
said

How regretable that this officer is being punished for an act of compassion! He was in a theatre of war and put a mortally wounded (illegal combatant) enemy out of his misery. No wonder soldiers and Veterans do not trust this government!

Isabelle - MTL
said

Well said David in NB.

Bulldog
said

Another fine example of political correctness getting in the way of common sense.....

Vickie B
said

Years ago, what happened on a battlefield was kept on the battlefield. Try and get an old vet to tell you what war was like and you will get, war was hell. You won't get details, you won't hear what they did or what was done to them. I had an uncle who was in WWII who never ever would tell us anything. He would say war is not something anyone who is not there needs to know about. People just would not understand.Today though, soldiers are encouraged to talk, to tell the stories. To relive and reinact the details of their battles. To help them rid themselves of stress to help avoid depression and ease post traumatic stress disorders.To that, stories that we probably would never hear of are being told. Why would the soldiers with the Captain that day have repeated the story? Who did they tell it to? How was this story learned? Being punished for doing a job you are trained to do makes little or no sense. This soldier was doing his job. Had the Canadians left the man to die then he would have been found guilty of acts against humanity. There was no way out of this situation for this young man. No matter what he is punished with, knowing he took the life of another human, even in the act of kindship will haunt him for his lifetime.

mining guy Jim
said

Dear Sir, you did not deserve this. Ex Coelis.

Kay
said

Why then are we sending troops over there?

Dennis R
said

Capt. Robert Semrau;

Sir, even though a civilian I salute you Sir and off my cap to you.

No mater the out come I know you will walk tall with you head high as you should well do.

What you did was the right and humane thing to do and I like thousands of Canadians aplaude you actions.

It is so sad that you work for a thankless task master the Canadian Federal Government who only care about votes rather than their military personal and how they put their lives on the line day after day, but know this Capt. we Canadians see and know what you are doing for us and I hope that is a help to you in your time of need, God beless you and walk at your side at all times.

HOO RAH

TT Petawawa
said

Only in Canada...that is right! Rob and his family should have never gone through this..... We are a military family.....makes you wonder.

Michael Warren
said

I wonder what the insurgents would have done if the situation was reversed? Probably hung Semrau's head on a pole and praised Allah! He should be given the order of Canada and promoted to General. Lets start a retirement fund for this Canadian hero. Shame on our politically correct higher ups!

Donny in Edmonton
said

An unarmed and injured insurgent? Considering the tactics and mentality of the millitants we are fighting over there I think Captain Semrau acted appropriately. That insurgent could have had an explosive consealed on him and blown himself up as they tend to do along with Semrau and his squad. Would the media be looking at this differently had that happened and we had afew more body bags coming home? Don't sweat it Captain, we know you did the right thing regardless of what some people are saying.

barbara switzer
said

What this soldier did was an act of humane compassion in a situation with no other humane options.The military must review these types of situations and offer viable choices. God Bless Rob and his fellow soldiers.

Sven
said

I can't help but wonder if any of this would have happened had he used a couple of vials of morphine vs. bullets.

Nicole
said

Having been in the military the higher ups sit and wonder why oh why they cannot get more Canadians to serve. Really I wonder. Once again it has been confirmed in cold hard facts the reason why I support the men and women in the military and not the, for lack of a better, word idiots that run the show. We train these people, we give them huge responsibilities, send them out to do a job and then "hang" them when they do it with compassion and respect. It was the same embarrasement over the snipers issues a few years back. We are no different that the American politicans that did the same to their men and women returning from Vietnam and the Gulf War. I am truly embarrased by the whole debacle.

Brent
said

If we bend one law for one person then we have no law. The public never knows the full story. On other news blogs, I read stories, body found, foul play not suspected, then come the ignorant comments from people that don't even read the story in front of them. Things like bring back capital punishment, lock up who's ever responsible forever. Why the comments like these when the story plainly says foul play not suspected. Same goes for this story the public doesn't know the whole story or are they familiar with Canadian law. The judges are the to interpret the laws as they understand them. All the people that don't agree with this judgment would normally be screaming bring back capitol punishment, lock him up forever. We need to have faith in our judges other wise we have no law, the majority of the public is too ignorant to make these decisions.

charlie
said

The guy was dying anyway - holes in both sides and a foot essentially blown off. "Medical evacuation was not an option" - and would that have changed the fate of the wounded man - hard to think it would have. The message is - next time let such a guy just die in agony since it is against the "rules" to end his suffering. In all sanity and reality, what other option was available to Samrau? What would you have done - probably the very same thing or, in a way that is becomming too common these days, stand around like the usual group of bystanders and wring our hands and say what a terrible business it is. Disgraceful conduct - what a laugh! What is disgraceful about it, except that it apparently offends some arm-chair officers' on the home front and their ideas of how sanitized war can be. Unlike the movies, real people die in war - they don't get up after the shooting stops. I hope he has an appeal right to at least get his rank restored. As to re-instatement, after this episode, I wonder if he would even want to stay in the Forces. He should at least be allowed to separate on his terms were that his desire.

Bulldog
said

It is amazing how many posters are blaming the Harper government for the result of the court martial...Just go back to Somalia where under Chretien an entire Airborne Regiment was disbanded for the actions of 2 disturbed members...Oh let's not forget Cpl. Furlong, who was essentially fired for the longest recorded sniper kill in history....He was ours and under Chretien and his cronies wild accusations kicked him out of the military.....

Paul ~ Kitchener
said

As a senior Canadian Citizen I would question the decision of the Military Tribunal.If we are indeed at "WAR", and this enemy combatant was as mortally wounded as he was, then this is where the question comes in, as to guilt of a war crime or, a humanitarian necessity.NO question as to how we the public feel about this ruling the listings here are only a small voice of "ALL CANADIANS".I guess the only answer here is, that the "Military Tribunal" gave what they thought as an honourable ruling.We as "ALL CANADIANS" feel, this should never have gone past an internal investigation and then closed !God knows who was right in this case and He alone will make the final judgement call.May God bless this Captain and his family with giving them the knowledge that the "Captains Actions were Honourable and Humain"."Walk Tall Captain" with the knowledge your actions were honourable and you have the love of the Nation for your service.

Devil's Advocate
said

I grow tired of seeing the trend of our greatest warriors getting the shaft while our greatest a**kissers seem to end up at the top of the food chain! This is partly why the west is such a supple target for terrorism! Have any of you NIS morons seen someone scream in agony after being gut-wounded, or watch someone with a grievous head injury after an IED strike die slowly?! Sure maybe some form of charge parade at most would have been enough, but no, we have to hang another of our greatest out on the line with a lot of our best waiting for him! I am now truly ashamed to say I am in the CF today!! How can so much change in 3 years? This insurgent would have been treated worse if this gentleman did what he was supposed to, turn him over to the Afghans... oh wait WE CANT EVEN BLOODY DO THAT EITHER!!! i will say it again I am ashamed of the NIS and the CF today...

Mike who has been there
said

For BC Boy all I can say is if you think the Taliban would show compassion then I don't know what you have been smoking or that you have had your head buried in the sand for the past 5 to 10 years. I'm just glad I was wounded and catured by them when I was there. Why don't you join up and go over and stand side by side with our soldiers to see just what type of enemy the taliban is and what they are doing to their own people. I just wish the news people covering this war would really show what is happening over there and what the taliban is really doing. As for JP a Veteran in BC. From your comment and Harper bashing I find it hard to believe that you are a verteran or are you a vet who served in the peace time army. I have a feeling that you are a liberal who still thinks that there is peace to keep over there. It's hard to keep the peace when the taliban plants road side bombs and shoots cilivans. Again, maybe you should put the uniform back on and go over there and try to keep the peace BUT before you go over make your peace with your God because I don't think you would come back if you try to keep the peace and fall into the talibans hands, PEACE what peace. In stead of bashing our goverment no matter which party is in power maybe we should support them to bring real peace to this world but that may meaning fighting this war first. And that may meaning fighting fire with fire!!

Richard in Ontario
said

I'm surprised at this decision. If he had been convicted of terrorism, he would have just received a slap on the wrist and told not to do it agian. We would have rehabilitated him and he could then have sued the Government because his rights were violated. I just hope the people who judged this soldier and passed this sentence have spent some time on the ground , in a war zone and have not just done the politically correct thing in this case.

RCR
said

Maybe someone on the left of the politcal spectrum could explain to me why or how this has anything whatsoever to do with Stephen Harper as posted here by a couple of people.I wasn't aware that the government was involved in any way with this situation. Seems to me this was being dealt with by the Military. I guess it shows that if you dislike Harper and his government you would rail at him because the sun comes up in the east every morning.

Will
said

This is what happens when lawyers and politics hijacks the process and trumps over common sense. This man did nothing wrong and should instead be commended for showing the ultimate mercy. Damn the lawyers and peacenics to hell!

Jim
said

For sheer stupidity this takes a lot of believing. He should never have been put on trial. Unfortunately the decisions are obviously made by people with absolutely no idea of front-line reality, and what happens there.

Steph
said

Capt Semrau, the hypocrits just spat on you and for that I can only say that I am sorry. Reading the comments here I can see that the common Canadians that you so bravely served are behind you 100%. I would suggest that you leave the CF with your head high and go back to British Services where you will be hailed as a Hero (rightfully so) and surely have the chance to move up in the hierarchy ladder as true leaders like you are becoming harder to find. I'll keep serving in the CF, but I'm for sure will be watching my back!I salute you Sir, and wish for you and your family absolutely the best of luck.Steph

Dennis R
said

I have just heard of the ruleing on Cpt. Robert Semrau and I now hold nothing but total disgust and dispare for this so called Judge, all those on the tribunal, the Prime Minister of Canada for the action taken against Cpt.R Semrau.

Prior to this stupidity Cpt. Robert Semrau held a SPOTLESS RECORD with our Canadian Military and this is the suport we give a soldier for a rather humane action towards another human being.

To that end I hope all you yong men and women out there take special note before enlisting with the Canadian Forces and if you do and find yourself in a simular sittuation just let that person lay there and rot in pure pain and hell on earth, that is what this trial says you should do if you find a person with both legs blown off and his guts spread out all over the place you must just sit there and watch this person dye a most horrible slow death.

God Bless Cpt. Robert Semrau and know the Canadian forces will not be the same with out your services. HOO RAH

Gordon M. B arton
said

I am completely disgusted with the Military judge who sentenced Rob Semrau.
In time of war many things happen, including acts of mercy or compassion. It is well known through
out history that these thing happen.
Our military are very proud, but this is too much.
I understand the need for discipline but he should not be kicked out of the force. I expect he will lose all his benefits and pensions, while he is acting on our behalf to keep our country safe.
To say I am angry is an understatement, and I certainly hope the entire public backs him to APPEAL this sentence as being much to severe.
BOO to the Military Judge and the Military upper end on this one.
Make your comments known!
This is our country and sometimes we have to accept things we might not like,
I am really upset over this! .

Gord B. Manitoba

Glenn
said

Lt.-Col. Jean-Guy Perron would you please step to the front of our fighting men and women and "lead" by example. You sir are the disgrace here and those who are seated next to you in the comforts of NDHQ. You and your like are make me sick.I hope the Captain has a long and healthy life.

billv
said

Sir, you did the right thing i wish that some of our judges/politicians would have the courage to make this call, that you made, right on the battlefield, they probably would dirty their pants. May God bless you!

LDL in ONT
said

I don't even pretend to understand military matters, but it doesn't stop me from having an opinion. This sentence is wrong, all wrong ! Good luck with future recruiting CAF, I think you just shot yourself in the foot.

Pat - Toronto
said

Well at least he can sleep at night, knowing that he did the compassionate thing by putting his enemy out of misery.. This is a big loss to the military but not to him.. I still think he did the right thing!! Thankfully he doesn't have to go to jail like some kins of bad guy.. he is a good man.

Donaldbain
said

The only disgraceful conduct here is on the part of the Canadian Forces.

Bill in Calgary
said

This story should never have left the battlefield. Those who broke the code by spilling their guts to Capt Semrau�s inferiors will have to live with their shame. I wouldn�t want to be caught in a firefight, knowing that those I should be able to trust with watching my back, didn�t trust me to watch theirs. There were no winners here, only the loss of a very fine soldier to the Canadian Armed Forces.

steve maguire
said

i am neither in the military or a particular supporter of the Afgan mission - but what this young man did was nothing short of heroic, i hope he stands tall and proud for being a caring and compationate human being in what was i can only imagine a truly heartwrenching decision.and may the military court hold their heads in shame for not appluading these actions for a humanitarian act of compasion.

John
said

To Old Soldier,I am a seving soldier who has seen battle. 2Lt Semrau's action were reprehensible and brought soldiers who use lethal force legitimately down to the level of rogues. The Law of Armed Conflict is very clear indeed. To disregard it is to cast a doubt over your integrity. Can you then be trusted?To say that all soldiers think he should have received a medal is to misunderstand the nature and character of war in the 21st century. Please remain an Old Soldier.

JW in Alberta
said

Some people here need to stick there emotions in the corner and understand a couple of things. Firstly, the military has rules on how it does it business. Soldiers are trained on these rules routinely and regularly. Everyone is aware of them and officers in particular spend a great deal of time understanding the rules and how it relates to the battlefield. We have some rules that apparently are misunderstood when it comes to prisoners and enemy wounded. We don't shoot prisoners...period. We are the good guys. Just because we are fighting the taliban, doesn't mean we forsake what is is that makes us Canadian and the good guys. The Captain knew his conduct was outside the rules on how we operate. The question of the day and the question for the court martial...was the mitigating circumstances sufficient for him to shoot a prisoner. One of the other rules, is that when we capture a wounded enemy, we treat them the same as we do our own people when it comes to medical aid. Again, every soldier is trained on this and knows it. The idea that we should selectively follow rules when it suits us on the battlefield is silly. We have rules for a reason, we have discipline for a reason. Just because we are at war doesn't mean we change the rules when it suits us. The Capt knew the rules and choice to violate them, for reasons he explained in the trial. He has been extensively trained on the rules. Some of the emotional comments on here that War is hell so anything goes...is at the end of the day, the mark of an unprofessional military. We are do the job not amateurs. We don't shoot prisoners and we follow the rules in combat.

Pete in Victoria
said

All our soldiers are charged with the responsibility to make moral decisions under unforgiving conditions when in the line of fire. This can be a tremendously difficult task, one you wouldn't wish on your friend or family. Capt Semrau did what he felt was right in the heat of battle. He made a courageous decision that has been judged to have been wrong. Whether the court martial decisions is fair, just, right or wrong, now he has to accept responsibility for his actions. He accepted that responsibility when taking his commission. On the one hand, I feel bad that he has to live with the consequences of his actions, but on the other hand, a clear message has been sent, reminding our troops that they need to exercise great care in making judgements in the face of the enemy. I consider Capt Semrau to be an unfortunate casualty of this conflict, but at the same time I think a greater good has been served by clarifying the legal context of mercy killing within the law of war. Best wishes to Capt Semrau, it appears from this discussion that public opinion is behind him.

Sonny, Fredericton, New Brunswick
said

Many who pass judgement on those who serve our courntry under extremely stressful conditions, are always far removed from the field of battle. Only those who have served "on" the battlefield can and do understand the actions of this man. Sir, you had a spotless and outstanding military record and to me, this speaks volumes over the petty judgements handed to you. During war there are acts of curelty, violence and hatred. Your actions clearly showed that you had and may still have a large part of you still in trauma. But this doesn't seem to matter to the ones who pass judgement on others. I have always and still maintain that those politicians who judge and order our military should have served within the military to gain a better understanding of who our soldiers are and what they face. But, this probably won't happen. You have served your country well and I for one salute you sir. Nuff said for now.....

Sue, Grand Bend
said

Semrau did the right thing. He shouldn't be punished for his actions. He should be given a medal for his compassion.

MikefromQuebec
said

The problem we have today in our military is that our officers are no longer allowed to make a decision without consulting a battery of legal officers. When one does make a decision on his own, he runs the risk of being severely punished by his superiors who, most of the time, are acting in political self interest. The politically correct bureaucrats who run this country are the butt of a lot of jokes outside of our boundaries. Our military people are handcuffed by our collective Canadian need to "look good" in the eyes of the world . Shooting a wounded combatant or dispatching a wounded enemy was fairly commonplace in days of yore, but back then nobody had to report to the legal weenies at the end of their battle or patrol. These same legal weenies, when they smell a good story brewing, suddenly get an attack of conscience and broadcast the events to the political masters who in turn want to be seen to do the right thing and "make an example". Which brings us back to Robert Semrau.

Jim
said

How sad, how very sad that we hang our soliders out to dry. He did his duty. I wonder if it would be better to watch the enemy combatant bleed to death from the stump that used to be his leg. For those who know what .50 cal rounds look like I suspect you understand what it does to limbs when they hit. It would figure that the Capt. lets this combatant die with some dignity as opposed to dying like a fish out of its tank and the military shacks him.

Go figure.

Howard in Brampton
said

That captain Semrau was charged in the first place is a sad commentary about our politics, both civil and military. Hence the references to the Harper Government in other comments. The real issue that provided this regrettable outcome was not about mercy killing, compassion, or common sense logic, but about insistence on conforming to a sociopolitical ideology. No current Canadian politician would ever publicly admit that they want the Armed Forces to train killers. But that is what they're supposed to do - kill enemies. If Canadians keep electing the kind of politicians who hate killing of any kind, for any reason, then they should do away with our armed forces altogether. Why waste the money and effort having an armed force if all we want them to do is act as ambassadors and bureaucrats?

M
said

WAR IS WAR! Stop giving the enemy so many rights!! Stick up for our beloved Canadian forces who put their noses on the line for US! This man also laid his life on the line for the man who fired him...how ironic.

Hero
said

Someone should jump in and hire this brave man. Would make a great asseset to any company looking for employees who are dedicated, and hard workers.

Hold your head up hight sir! You have not failed us, we have failed you.

Jason
said

A brave man, patriot, and protector is sacrificed for nothing other than to continue the political correctness and desire for good optics that is ruining our society! I support Captain Semrau and his actions, and deplore what has been done to him!

viral venus
said

I don't think the taliban insurgent's death was any loss to humanity and I do think this soldiers fall from grace is. We can probably all sympathize with Semrau on some level regardless of whether he killed this terrorist out of vengance or pity. That said, this is the right decision. If he had time to come back and shoot the insurgent, he had time to come back, follow the rules and offer proper aid. The eventual outcome might have been the same, but it is important that we continue to have a military that does not make up it's own rules as it goes along We are trying to bring some key values to Afghanistan and it is important that we are seen to act within those constraints at all times and those who can't should not be part of this tasking.

Christine
said

It is terrible that we treat our Canadian forces in this manner. Shame on us!

Becky
said

My Thoughts and Prayers go out to Captain Semrau and his family.

Not Surprised
said

Absolute nonsense. To quote Captain Willard from Apocalypse Now "Charging a guy with murder over here is like handing out speeding tickets at the Indy 500"Poor man. He did the right thing and is paying a terrible price. Don't bother to counter with legalese/rule of the law babble.... The fact of the matter is that we place our soldiers in that hell hole called Afghanistan and ask far more from them than they will ever be compensated for. I wish Mr. Semaru all the best in the civilian world and shame on whoever reported on this humanitarian act.

Sid in MTL
said

Speaking as a former combattant, I find his demotion and dismissal to be absolutely dispicable! To be judged by those who have absolutely no experience in the battle field is a disgrace! A soldier's primary role is to eradicate...YES I MEAN KILL, the enemy, the rats that they are. The Captain showed mercy upon the enemy by ending his suffering in as humaine a manner as was possible on the field of battle.I speak frankly when I say that the Captain did much more to aid and comfort the enemy than I ever would have bothered to do. HE SHOULD BE HONORED, NOT DISGRACED! I am certainly glad that I can no longer be erroneously counted among the WIMPY that comprise the Forces!

Patrick in Burlington
said

This is disgraceful. War is very nasty business and must be conducted to win. Capt. Semrau made sure there was one less known insurgent who might have killed a Canadian soldier. After all, it was the Taliban who enabled Al Qaeda, whose attack on the US necessitated, by treaty, our entry into the Afghan conflict.If this is indicative of Canadian sensibilities on the issue of battlefield conduct, then Canadians need to learn to be a lot less squeamish. We need to take the fight to the insurgents, fighting fire with fire. Has there been any discussion on what might have expired if the roles Capt. Semrau and the wounded insurgent had been reversed. Just asking.

Rick
said

I agree with a lot of the comments, too much government control, over the military.

So maybe it is time to get rid of the Concervatives, don't you think?

LAC
said

I have a hard time with the fact that the judge said his behaviour was "schockingly unacceptable". He was in the middle of a battle against terrorists and he put one out of his misery. This should be a non-issue. Good luck to him.

Sonia Hamilton
said

I think this is a sin what judge Perron and the Canadian Forces have done to Robert Semrau. The court martial should never have happened. We are at war in Afghanistan for goodness sakes! What this Canadian soldier, Robert Semrau did, was a mercy killing, he put the Afghan fighter out of his misery and pain. If I was in the armed forces right now I would be thouroughly demoralized by this whole disgusting trial..

dtisk
said

These events are unfortunate, as a former infantry officer of the Canadian forces and as a lawyer now of course I am conflicted. I would not have made the same decision because it does correspond to the rules of war or my personal feelings. It is not for us to decide when someone else's life is so miserable that we elect to end it for them. The enemy could someday do the same but under more suspicious circumstances. We must not allow them such a precendent, we are better than they are. That is why we have such rules. The global impact of war is that our decisions are not simply our own but must be integrated into the larger vision of our objectives. I think that Lt Col Perron made the right decision with what he had in front of him. He was able to minimise the impact on an otherwise honourable and effective infantry officer while respecting the conventions and rules of war war to which we are signatories. For those who are outraged by this decision be you civilian or military I would ask that you take a step back, take a breath and try consider our obligations as moral actors. This Captain did what he thought was moral, unfortunately he was mistaken and he knew otherwise because he was not unaware of the rules of war. For those who rejoice in this decision because you feel that it undermines the credibility of our international operations I remain silent because my thoughts on you are likely not to be published. Good Luck Captain I wish you the best.

DoubB in Alberta
said

The judge states there has never been a case like this before. HUMMM we have faught in several wars and to tell me this has never happened before is like telling me there is an Easter Bunny. You are in the middle of a combat zone, this insurgent is almost dead from bleeding, no hope but hes suffering and one who was sent to kill him in the first place finishes the job so he does not suffer and looses his job? come on, you demote him, then tell all your soldiers there will be no wasting ammunition, just let them die if there is no hope for them and just walk away. Since there is no rules up to this point, why is this guy fired? I can see if you are not in a war, a police officer shoots someone, you call EMS, hes transported to a hospital, helped then charged but we are in the middle of a desert, bullets are flying, no hope for this person who is on his death bed as it was. He did not commit murder, not like this guy put up his hands to surrender and was shot, a helicpoter gun ship ripped him apart. We do not let animals suffer in this country and put them down, yet in this case we are suppose to let someone suffer. As much as I hate these insurgents, I do say it was a waste of ammunition but in this case allowing a man to suffer is more a crime than what this canadian soldier did. This judge is so far out to lunch its beyond rediculous. All I hope is some company scoops this guy up very quickly. You do not let someone of his back ground go unemployed.

Jane
said

Truly unbelievable. What was this soldier supposed to do? Stand over the man and watch him die slowly? He most likely asked himself what he would want if the situation was reversed and I doubt that the Taliban would have been so kind.The prosecutors should be shipped off to battle and be forced to listen to the screams of mortally wounded soldiers. Maybe that would give their heads a shake.Suppose that medical help was nearby. What would the doctors have done? Probably shot the guy up with enough morphine or something to finish him off anyhow.This whole thing just stinks. The military is putting our soldiers at further risk because the enemy now has something on us that they can use as propaganda with their own people. See, the soldier was charged with murder.Support our troops. Tell Harper to bring them home!

Steve-O
said

If Robert's actions was part of a Hollywood war movie he'd be considered a compassionate hero. Unbelievable that he has been demoted & discharged.

ANDREA
said

If our boys are not allowed to do the jobs they were trained for then bring them home ALIVE

Mike was there
said

I wrote, I'm just glad I was wounded and catured by them when I was there. What I ment to tpye is "I'm just glad I was not wounded and catured by them when I was there." My mind working faster then my fingures can type. Sorry for any misunderstanding!

Chris
said

A sad day for the Canadian Forces, and Canada. I do not support this decision whatsoever, and it makes us a laughing stock to our allies and indeed, the Taliban. Disgusting, and certainly not "military justice."

Wendy
said

A question to all that find this judgment unfair. If this would have been a wounded Canadian would this person have shot him or would he have given him immediate medical attention? & if it was a Canadian he killed how many of you would say he did the right thing by taking a life & not offering medical help?

retired (WO)
said

You must be kidding, being demoted and discharged for doing his job, what is this country coming to? I am sure if you were to pole the brave soilders who are presently serving in Afghanistan they would have handled the situation in the identical fashion.

JDF, Calgary
said

For shame on this court, FOR SHAME!!!!!Honor does not exist in this country. It died with political correctness.

Peter Matthews
said

Please will someone advise me if there is a support fund in place for Captain Semarau. If the military system will not support him then I hope that the Canadian public will.

Dennis Simonin
said

Shameful dismissal for an act of courage and compassion.

Lynn - Tremblant
said

For all that our miltary does for us and this is what we do for them. If my son or daughter or husband was mortally wounded I hope someone would show the same compassion. Shame on us .The 2011 withdrawal can't come soon enough

Michael (Ottawa)
said

Robert Semrau stands tall in my estimation. Sir, keep walking with your head up high and don't look back on the military and their political unfair ways. Society is rarely if ever a judge of what is right, true, moral or just.

JP
said

Demoted and kicked out: I am sure the bad guy that had his guts blown out all over the place and was hemorrhaging near death before being put out feels much better now.

Robert Semrau = right.
said

Robert Semrau has been sacrified on the Military's altar of "political correctness"... but in truth there is nothing "correct" about this decision whatsoever.

ex-RCR in BC
said

There goes Canada, turning on one of its own again.The REMFs forget the role of the Infantry- to close with and destroy the enemy using maximum speed and violence. Captain Semrau did his job very well. I would follow him into battle still.We are on the sharp end of Canada's stick, so everybody should quit feigning outrage at the nastiness that occasionally takes place on the battlefield, and let the infantry do its job.The Taliban would not have shown any mercy. Heads would have been cut off on CNN and bodies dragged through the streets.This is not the first time in recorded history that someone may have been put out of his misery in war.Pro Patria

matt
said

This is such bllsht. Why are we risking our mens and womens lives overseas when they can be court marshaled for shooting the enemy. In my eyes Captain Semrau is a hero just like every other soldier putting their lives in danger the moment they fly out to go fighting overseas.

Military Wife
said

All I know is that if the enemy did that to one of our Soldiers we would not be so understanding. As a soldier's wife I know the horrors of war and to me what this soldier did was wrong.

JG Toronto
said

Our troops are at war. Canada is at war. We are dealing with suiside bombers what next send the SIU each time a bulet is fired.Our Hero was convicted by certain news media in Toronto. What a shame. My Hero did the right thing.

sameo416
said

A shame his career is over, for an act of compassion in combat. So if I understand the court's ruling, this Captain should have left the gravely wounded soldier behind to die a painful and extended death?

John Le Blancq
said

CAPTAIN SEMRAU: You did what Lord Nelson, or Wolfe or Montgomery, or any great Leader would have done: you showed compassion.Well done. You have behaved honourably, and in so doing have added lustre to the Crown.God Bless you ! We need more like you.

Cheryl
said

I hope he has an opportunity to appeal this decision. I'm sure what he did took a tremendous amount of strenght. He is a hero.

Frank
said

Can you imagine if we had the same bleeding hearts in charge of the military back in WWII?

I'm sure we'd all be speaking German right now!

Vet
said

He should have been judged by a panel/jury of his pears, men who have been in real combat, outside the wire. Only a jury with real combat experience could fairly judge his actions. Block buster movies with Tom Hanks war movies are not enough to be experienced with the horrors of war, and the tough decisions that have to be made in those situations... like letting another human painfully suffer a slow death. Not saying he is right, but he was not judged fairly.

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