In an announcement on 24/11, the US Department of Defense stated it is seriously reviewing the "misconduct" of Democratic Senator Mark Kelly, a former astronaut and retired colonel. Kelly served in the US Navy from 1986-2011, participated in the Gulf War from 1990-1991, and traveled to space four times.
The agency indicated it might recall Kelly to active duty for prosecution on charges of sedition, though the specific penalties the senator could face remain unclear. The Pentagon also warned it might take similar action against other retired veterans.
"All service members and veterans are reminded that they have a legal obligation under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) to obey lawful orders or those presumed lawful," the Pentagon stated. "A service member's personal philosophy does not justify or excuse disobedience of lawful orders."
The UCMJ classifies treason and sedition among the most serious offenses, for which offenders could face the death penalty.
 |
Thuong nghi si Mark Kelly trong phien hop tai quoc hoi My ngay 14/1. Anh: AP
Previously, Kelly and five other Democratic members released a video asserting that the administration of US President Donald Trump was acting unlawfully by deploying military forces to attack vessels suspected of carrying drugs off the coast of Latin America. They urged soldiers not to obey "illegal orders". In contrast, the Pentagon declared these raids as legitimate actions, as suspected drug traffickers are considered terrorists by the US.
"The video released by these six rebellious individuals is despicable, irresponsible, and untrue. Encouraging service members to disregard their commanders' orders undermines all aspects of good order and discipline," stated US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.
Kelly maintained his innocence, stating he had done nothing wrong and would not be intimidated by the Pentagon's threat. "If they are doing this to threaten and deter me and other members of Congress from doing our jobs and holding the government accountable, they will not succeed," he declared.
Experts believe the Pentagon's threat to recall Kelly for prosecution could be a message to former commanders and recently dismissed officials. These include individuals who previously served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, commander of the Navy, and Director of the National Security Agency.
Rachel VanLandingham, a former US Air Force lawyer, noted she has never seen sitting members of Congress forced back to active duty. Kelly could pursue a strong legal challenge to obtain an injunction against recall, citing a lack of reasonable cause.
VanLandingham added that Secretary Hegseth's statement could weaken the Pentagon's efforts to recall Kelly for prosecution, as it appears to suggest the senator would not receive a fair trial.
Nguyen Tien (According to Reuters, AFP, AP)
