Canada denies asylum for U.S. deserter

(CNN) - A U.S. soldier who deserted to Canada will not face persecution if he returns to the United States, Canada's refugee agency ruled Wednesday, clearing the way for his deportation.

Indiana National Guard Sgt. Corey Glass, 25, said he fled to Toronto in
2006 after serving in Iraq because he did not want to fight in a war he called "illegal and immoral."

But Canada's Immigration and Refugee Board denied his application for refugee status Wednesday, prompting the Canadian Border Services Agency to issue a June 12 deportation order. The agency says it considers whether applicant faces a "well-founded fear" of persecution or cruel and unusual punishment if he returns to his home country.

Glass is currently considered absent without leave. If convicted of desertion, he could face punishment ranging from demotion to death in certain circumstances, a U.S. Army spokesman said.