Reuters

WASHINGTON, Aug 25 (Reuters) - A U.S. military service member who called for President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance to ​be impeached is facing charges under the military justice ‌system, his lawyer and the Air Force said on Tuesday.

The active-duty officer, Major Jason Watson, denounced Trump and Vance last month for actions ​including going to war with Iran without congressional authorization, ​according to a video of the protest event posted ⁠online.

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In the video, the U.S. Capitol Police can be ​seen detaining Watson, who held a protest sign calling for ​their impeachment, conviction and removal.

Watson's lawyer said in a statement that the airman would face charges under three articles, including Article 88 -- a rarely ​used provision which accuses him of contempt towards officials.

"Major ​Watson acted knowing the risks to his career and his liberty," said ‌Christopher ⁠Mutimer, counsel for Watson.

"It is my hope that other Americans who feel powerless in this moment will take some measure of courage from his willingness to speak and to stand ​by his convictions," ​Mutimer said.

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The ⁠Air Force confirmed Watson had been charged and said he would continue to be held in ​pre-trial confinement and be afforded the right ​to due ⁠process.

Laws governing U.S. military service members place restrictions on their political activities, particularly while in uniform. Article 88 of the ⁠Uniform Code ​of Military Justice prohibits officers from ​using "contemptuous words against the President, the Vice President, Congress" and other U.S. representatives.

Reporting ​by Idrees Ali and Phil Stewart; Editing by Daniel Wallis