Mohisin Khan

Mohisin Khan (b. 1978 / 1979) is a former Royal Air Force airman who conscientiously objected to taking part in the invasion of Iraq and was punished for being absent without leave.

Khan joined the Royal Air Force in December 1999 and was subsequently trained as a Medical Assistant. Although Khan's term of engagement was for 9 years, in January 2001, he applied for premature release, complaining that he was mainly being asked to perform secretarial duties. He was released from service on 24 April 2001, becoming a reservist.

As part of the build up prior to the Iraq War, in January 2003 Mohisin Khan was recalled for service and he reported for duty as ordered that month. However, Leading Aircraftman Khan later asked for cancellation of his recall on compassionate and family grounds. In February his application (on compassionate grounds) not to be recalled was rejected by the RAF. Instead of being deployed to the Gulf, Khan was offered a posting near to his home and at his choice, Khan was posted to RAF Honington. Later in February when Khan was ordered to report to RAF Honington's medical centre, he failed to report for duty. During a telephone with his Flight Sergeant, Khan stating that he was not returning to duty because to do so was against his religion. He was arrested by the civil police and handed over to the RAF Police on 5 March 2003.

Khan was fined nine days' pay and sentenced to seven days' loss of privileges. He was later discharged on administrative grounds.

On 7 October 2004, Khan lost he appeal to the High Court over his conviction for going absent without leave.

References

* [http://www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/judgmentsfiles/j2822/khan-v-raf.htm Her Majesty's Courts Service - Judgement in the case of Mohisin Khan and the RAF Summary Appeal Court]
* [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/suffolk/3722812.stm BBC News - Muslim reservist loses Iraq case]