Are Candides Punishments Fair?

I think that when Candide has to be punished as a deserter, technically his punishment is fair as by the millitary rules.  Desertion is not allowed in any army, and if caught is a pinishable crime, so as his punishment he "runs the gauntlet." Although Candide was forcefully conscripted to the army by the two soldier he meets, the millitary law still technically applies and candide has to face punishment for his action. These are the laws of the military and of his country. Candide is ignorant to millitary laws and to being in the army because of his sheltered life, but the fact that he is now a member of the army still means he must follow millitary regulation and law. On the other hand, we see that Candide is naive and mostly a sheltered and innocent person. He was also forced into the millitary against his will, and doesn't want anything to do with it, so Candide deserts.  If one looks at this perpective, one would say he is unfairly punished and mistreated.  I think that someones opinion on Candide's punishment is up for discussion, can be viewed in either of these scenarios, and we can't really decide which one is more correct as both arguments are equally valid and true.