Deserters lose Canada asylum bid

Mr Hinzman has been supported by Canadian peace groups

Two US army deserters who fled to Canada in protest against the Iraq war have lost a fresh asylum appeal bid.

The Supreme Court refused to hear an appeal from Jeremy Hinzman and Brandon Hughey against a decision by officials to deny them refugee status.

The decision backs up refusals by lower courts to hear their cases.

The Immigration and Refugee Board ruled in 2005 that the two were not refugees in need of protection and that they faced no risk of persecution in the US.

The two men deserted their units and went to Canada when they learned they were to be deployed to Iraq.

Both have said they believe the war to be illegal and immoral.