WASHINGTON, US: Charges were filed Monday against Air Force officer Maj. Jason Watson after he criticised President Donald Trump and called for his impeachment, according to a charging document shared with CNN.
Watson faces three alleged violations of Article 88 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice for contemptuous remarks about Trump. Prosecutors also charged him with five alleged Article 92 violations and two alleged Article 133 violations.
The Article 88 counts relate to a June interview, Watson’s July 1 protest at the US Capitol while in uniform and an Aug. 17 CNN interview.
Watson’s attorney, Chris Mutimer, told CNN that authorities placed his client in pretrial confinement while the military case proceeds.
Air Force prosecutors allege Watson violated rules restricting partisan political activity by service members. They also accuse him of improperly wearing his uniform at the Capitol and violating leave and workplace orders.
Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said in July that service members must follow rules governing political participation and use of the uniform.
Read: U.S. Air Force Officer Set Himself on Fire Outside Israeli Embassy
The military has rarely prosecuted officers under Article 88. CNN identified only two convictions for contempt of officials since the modern military justice code took effect in 1951.
Read: Iran Air Defence Production Continued Through War: IRGC
Army Lt. Henry Howe was convicted in 1965 after protesting the Vietnam War. Former Marine Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller pleaded guilty to an Article 88 charge in 2021 after publicly criticising the Biden administration’s Afghanistan withdrawal.
Retired Army judge advocate Frank Rosenblatt told CNN that an Article 32 pretrial hearing could examine whether Watson’s statements qualify as contemptuous remarks or protected criticism.
The Air Force previously said Watson is presumed innocent. His case could proceed to either a special or general court-martial if commanders refer the charges for trial.
