His trial was delayed for several months as the military moved the venue again and again—from Fort Stewart, Georgia, to a military base in Kuwait and then to Iraq. Relocating proceedings to the Middle East was seen by Hall’s supporters as a way to keep his attorney and others from participating in his defense. But the Army decided ultimately to drop the trial once Hall’s lawyer, David Gespass, made arrangements for himself and a medical specialist to travel to Iraq.

 

Jeff Paterson of Courage to Resist, an Oakland-based organization that supports conscientious objectors, said Hall was not jailed for the song, but because of his outspoken complaints about inadequate mental health services at Fort Stewart. Hall, who experienced combat during his previous tour in Iraq, reportedly suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder.

 

Patterson claimed Hall had a strong chance of winning his case once it became apparent his attorney and an independent medical evaluator could attend the court martial.

 

Although he avoided criminal charges, Hall will lose all military benefits as a veteran because of his misconduct discharge.

-Noel Brinkerhoff

 

Soldier Jailed for Rap Lyrics is Discharged (by Dahr Jamail, Truthout)

Rapping Soldier Dismissed for Threats (by Lara Jakes, Associated Press)

Army Imprisons Iraq Vet for Hip Hop Song (by Noel Brinkerhoff, AllGov)

Audio: Marc Hall Sings “Stop-Loss” (MarcWatercus.com)