LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - The Army said a Muslim soldier from Fort Campbell who won conscientious objector status but then was charged with possessing child pornography has gone AWOL.
Spokesman Rick Rzepka said Wednesday that Pfc. Naser Abdo has been absent without leave since the July 4th weekend.
Abdo, a 21-year-old infantry soldier, had applied for conscientious objector status last year saying his Muslim beliefs prohibited his service in any war.
Army officials recommended he be discharged as a conscientious objector but that was delayed by the criminal charge. Rzepka said a hearing last month recommended Adbo face a court-martial on the pornography charge.
Abdo's attorney James Branum said his client is safe but declined to say more about his status.
Abdo now also faces additional charges related to being AWOL.
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