CA Troops to Use Laser Dazzlers on Afghan Civilians, Could Be Breaking Int'l Treaties

[babylonsister]

Published on Friday, December 19, 2008 by The Province (Canada)
Troops to Use Laser Dazzlers on Afghan Civilians
But critics say Canada could be breaking international treaties



The Canadian military is spending more than $10 million on 500 laser dazzlers for troops in Afghanistan in what it calls an attempt to reduce civilian casualties.

The devices cause temporarily blindness and the army is hoping they can be used to ward off Afghans who drive or walk too closely to Canadian checkpoints or convoys. Troops -- worried about suicide bombers -- have killed or wounded civilians who ignored or didn't heed warnings to keep their distance.

The dazzlers, also called "laser-generated visual warning technology," could be in the hands of Canadian troops in Kandahar as early as next fall.

Project director Maj. Stephane Dufour says the devices are designed to protect both soldiers and Afghan civilians. He says being hit by a laser is like someone looking at the sun.

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http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2008/12/19-4