US Marine to be dismissed for criticizing Obama on Facebook

Washington, Apr 26 (ANI): A US Marine, who was accused of criticising President Barack Obama on Facebook, is to be discharged.

According to Marine Corps, Sergeant Gary Stein will receive an other-than-honourable discharge for violating a policy that limits speech of military service members.

This means Stien, whose contract with the Marines was scheduled to expire on July 28, would not receive any benefits following his nine years of military service.

According to The BBC, Stien had put a disclaimer on Facebook that his opinions, which included calling Obama an enemy, were his own.

He had put Obama's face on mocked-up film posters, including one for the movie Jackass.

A disciplinary board heard that he had said he would not follow orders from the president if it involved violating the rights of US citizens.

Prosecutors said Stein continued to ignore warnings from superior officers, and that the postings were in breach of military regulations.

The US military has a long-standing policy of restricting the free speech of service members, including criticism of the president, who is commander-in-chief of America's armed forces. (ANI)