Northern Cyprus: Imprisonment of conscientious objector Halil Karapaşaoğlu

A blatant human rights violation

(15.01.2019) “Turkish-Cypriot conscientious objector Halil Karapaşaoğlu is a prisoner of conscience, imprisoned solely for his peaceful convictions and his genuine opposition to the compulsory military service. EBCO denounces his imprisonment as a blatant human rights violation. EBCO demands his immediate and unconditional release, and the urgent recognition of the right to conscientious objection to military service in line with the European and international law and human rights standards”, EBCO’s President Friedhelm Schneider stated today, following Halil’s arrest and transfer to prison in order to serve a 20-day sentence.

This is happening just days after a draft amendment law to recognise conscientious objection to military service has been submitted to the Parliament.

EBCO stands in solidarity with Halil Karapaşaoğlu and supports the solidarity campaign of the Initiative for Conscientious Objection in Cyprus, including the call.

European Bureau for Conscientious Objection (EBCO): Press Release, January 15, 2019.

Keywords:    ⇒ Conscientious Objection   ⇒ Cyprus   ⇒ Halil Karapasaoglu   ⇒ Prosecution